FORT SILL, Okla. Jan. 16, 2014 -- A two-day Career Technical Training workshop for transitioning military personnel and veterans is Jan. 22-23 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by the Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits office here.
The primary focus is for Soldiers who aren't interested in pursuing a traditional college degree program.
"The Career Technical Training course helps prepare participants for a vocational career using VA benefits and other resources to strengthen their chances for the career they would like to pursue," said Lisa Thomas, lead briefer for VA Benefits at Fort Sill. "The workshop is for transitioning military personnel, as well as veterans and dependents; it examines the difference between vocational or technical training and college degrees."
"Many of our Soldiers want to get training specifically geared to the skills they have developed, or to learn new skills," Thomas said.
She added many transitioning Soldiers aren't aware their education benefits cover vocational or technical training in many fields. The training is not limited to regional vocational or technical schools in Oklahoma. Soldiers can relocate to any place they want to go.
"During the last class at Fort Sill, we had representatives for nursing programs, information technology, automotive mechanic training and other vocational fields," she said.
Thomas said they normally recommend that personnel who are leaving the Army complete the five-day core Transition Assistance Program (TAP).
The five-day TAP program is held Mondays through Fridays weekly.
"Soldiers and veterans who have already attended the five-day TAP program can come back and participate in the Career Technical Training workshop. But it's not required to attend the upcoming workshop," Thomas added.
During the two-day workshop participants use computers to explore different websites to focus on their goals for the future. Part of the time will be spent exploring educational benefits that are available for transitioning Soldiers and veterans, and how to apply for financial aid.
The workshop is at Truman Education Center, Bldg. 3281, Room 12.
Active-duty personnel are required to register with the Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) office so an adequate number of computers and materials will be available. The ACAP office is located on the third floor of Bldg. 4700. The Career Technical Training Workshop will be offered again April 23-24 and July 23-24.
For more information, call the ACAP office at 580-442-2222/2617.
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