Military veterans in Alabama enjoyed a new path towards a well-paying job this year, as a registered apprenticeship program has been launched that gives opportunities to those who served.
The State of Alabama’s Office of Apprenticeship, a part of the Department of Commerce, partnered with Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville for the first round of the program.
Veterans who take part have their housing allowance paid by the program, at no cost to the employer, while they complete their apprenticeship, allowing an extra degree of freedom to pursue a meaningful job.
“The AOA is very happy to be able to ensure our veterans get every possible benefit from registered apprenticeship programs,” remarked Josh Laney, director of the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship.
A release from AlabamaWorks explained that in the program, a “veteran apprentice learns a highly specialized skill, while getting paid, receives a sizeable veterans monthly housing allowance while in the program and has a guaranteed job with advancement opportunities.”
Alternatively, employers use “this advanced recruiting strategy to hire an employee with proven dedication and experience, and in turn develops a pipeline of skilled employees.”
The point person at Redstone Arsenal for the program was Gary Davenport, of U.S. Army TMDE Activity (Test, Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment).
“The program we were able to build with U.S. Army TMDE Activity at Redstone is a great example of the kind of incentives and supports available to get the expertise and dedication of veterans into the civilian workforce,” noted Laney.
Those interested in apprenticeships in Alabama can find more information here.
Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: henry@new-yhn.local or on Twitter @HenryThornton95
