In part one, we discussed the unemployment challenge that so many US veterans are facing right now. We also discussed some of the steps that are being taken to help vets get back on their feet. To say that nobody is offering veterans “help” would be a lie. However, those quotes around the word “help” are there for a reason. This post is part two, the part that explains why those quotation marks exist.

Just as there is no shortage of unemployment concerns, there is no shortage of groups, companies, and individuals that are poised to take advantage of the unemployed, especially veterans. To some, this group of people is nothing more than a way to make a buck, a buck that is made with false promises, un-qualified training, and worthless certifications. This practice is completely unacceptable and shameful, but is sadly something that we need to be aware of today. How can veterans protect themselves from falling victim to a marketing buzzword, and actually receive training that will get them back to work?

Glad you asked! USSI has worked closely with the US military over the past several years. Founder Ray Johnson is even a producer of the new military film The Burden (premiering 2015). In our work, we have learned a great deal about the various offers that veterans are made, what is true, what’s false, and what’s a waste of time and money. Here are some suggested guidelines to help sort through the junk.

Top Five Things to Look for in Free Veterans Training Programs

  1. Time Efficiency – Many training programs require spending a significant amount of time in school, before you can even sit for the necessary exams to apply for an actual paying job. What if you have bills to pay right now? Do you have two years to devote to going to school full time?
  2. Department of Defense Approval – As mentioned above, terms like “VA”, “veteran”, and “put our veterans back to work” are becoming buzzwords. Just because an organization talks about a “veteran program” does not mean that they are affiliated with or approved by the Department of Defense in any way. It is most likely not the case at all. Don’t fall for a veteran program that actually has ZERO affiliation with veterans!
  3. Relevancy – Similar to being smart with your time, you need to be smart about the subject matter you are studying and the certificate that you will walk away with in the end. What sort of job are you hoping to get once you are done with your training? What are the hiring requirements of that job? Oftentimes, the requirements are much greater than what is provided in the training program, and, depending on the field, can be very challenging, expensive, or time intensive to meet. Know the value and relevancy of what you will walk away with after the training program is completed.
  4. Earning Potential – You are looking for a career, not temporary gig that makes some side cash. Take this into account when you are looking at various training programs. What is the job market like in that field? What is the industry forecast? Some companies (Uber, for example) have already come under sharp criticism for essentially taking advantage of unemployed veterans and only providing them low wages and unreliable income. Do your research and know what your job prospects and earning potential will be.
  5. Reputation – Just like college’s have reputations, so do training programs. What’s the reputation of the program you are looking at? Have you checked out industry reviews? Is it respected or is it known as the joke school/party school/anybody can print a diploma school, etc? Has anybody in the industry even heard of the program? Don’t get caught by a fly-by-night school, the Department of Education exists for a reason!

Here are US Solar Institute, we pride ourselves in only offering the best education and opportunities to our veterans. Our one month intensive program IS time efficient. We ARE approved by the Department of Defense. We ARE licensed by the Department of Education. And, perhaps most importantly, the solar industry IS growing and the education you receive from US Solar Institute is relevant and respected in the industry.

Want to know more? Contact us today!

Here is What You Need to Know About Veterans Training Part One