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Veterans with more than 180 days of active duty service or a service-related disability can apply for six weeks of training for five green job certifications through the Veterans Workforce Investment Program (VWIP) at East Central University.

Harold Ray (from left), commander of American Legion Post 191 in Stratford, presents a $1,000 check to the Veterans Workforce Investment Program at East Central University to help participating veterans with weekend expenses. Accepting the check are Terry Doepke and Kylie Stephens, VWIP case managers, and Angela Mackey, VWIP administrative assistant. The federally funded eight-week program prepares veterans for employment and provides room and board five days a week, but several veterans needed help with weekend expenses.
Harold Ray (from left), commander of American Legion Post 191 in Stratford, presents a $1,000 check to the Veterans Workforce Investment Program at East Central University to help participating veterans with weekend expenses. Accepting the check are Terry Doepke and Kylie Stephens, VWIP case managers, and Angela Mackey, VWIP administrative assistant. The federally funded eight-week program prepares veterans for employment and provides room and board five days a week, but several veterans needed help with weekend expenses. "There has been a huge outpouring from the campus and the community," Stephens said. "People have given money, gas cards and gift certificates to local restaurants." Future trainings will be held in October, January and April.

The deadline to apply for the VWIP program, which has slots for 45 veterans, is Oct. 5 [MONDAY].

VWIP is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor to address employment barriers and assist veterans in re-entering the workforce. To enroll in the employment readiness program, a veteran must be actively seeking employment and be able to obtain employment.

Classroom training will be conducted for six weeks followed by a two-week on-the-job training component. Room and board will be provided, based upon availability, during the six-weeks of classroom training.

The green job certifications that veterans can earn and the positions they will be certified for include weatherization and blower door use, for technical positions with HVAC contractors and energy efficiency agencies; infrared science use and analysis, positions in remodeling and energy conservation; asbestos worker, entry-level positions in asbestos abatement and maintenance; solar energy system, entry-level positions in renewable energy and green construction; and basic environmental science for hazardous waste and environmental problems, energy and resource conservation, toxicology and environmental health topics.

For an application or more information, contact a Local Workforce Oklahoma Office or Mary Huckleberry Meeks, VWIP director at ECU, at 580-559-5541; or Terry Doepke and Kylie Stephens, VWIP case managers, at 580-559-5852.

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