Veterans and their spouses are eligible for free training programs offered by NPower.

NPower’s program has served more than 1,600 Veterans and military spouses with free tech training, professional development, social and mental health support, assistance navigating VA benefits, paid learning opportunities and job placements – all for aiding participants into a successful career in tech.

Finding meaningful employment after leaving the military is one of the most important steps in a service member’s transition to civilian life. Despite possessing a myriad of valuable skills, nearly 50% of Veterans leave the military without job prospects.

Technology jobs are in high demand and competition for tech workers will remain strong in 2022. Veterans are well positioned to meet this demand. Veterans often possess sharp technical skills and have experience with complex equipment. The military prepares individuals to operate in fast-paced environments, and they do so with teamwork and an ability to apply problem solving to any issue.

NPower classes

• Classes are available twice per year: spring and fall
• Spring 2022 classes begin February 21, and applications are due before then
• Participating cities: Baltimore, Dallas, Jersey City, Newark, Los Angeles*, San Jose
• Who is eligible:
  • Military Veterans and military spouses that are located in or near the following U.S. cities:
    • Baltimore, Dallas, Los Angeles*, Newark, San Francisco
    • While training is currently virtual, applicants must live in the above cities for in-person professional development and job placements

• • Over 21 years of age
  • Transitioning active-duty service member/honorably discharged/member of the Guard or Reserve
  • Legally authorized to work in the U.S.

How to apply: visit: npower.org/apply-2022

Los Angeles County residents, please apply here: npower.org/apply/it-support-specialist

Contact: military@npower.org

To support Veterans in starting a career in tech, NPower’s free program offers:

• 16 – 23 weeks of live virtual instruction with experts
• Tech industry certifications (CompTIA, Google and more)
• A full range of ongoing social support and guidance navigating financial hardship, VA benefits, food insecurity, child care assistance and more
• Employment readiness workshops (interview prep, resume help, job searching)
• Access to mentorship and networking with other IT professionals and fellow NPower students and graduates

Not only does the program have an 80% graduate rate, the average graduate increases their salary by 361% compared to their pre-program salary.

For many NPower graduates, the program not only offered a second opportunity for success in the country’s fastest-growing sector, but also a second chance in life.

Army Veteran Cameron is a graduate of NPower’s free tech training program for Veterans and military spouses.

Army Veteran Cameron was on an esteemed track at West Point when a devastating brain aneurysm derailed his plans. Returning to his love of technology, he sought a new opportunity and found NPower. Currently enrolled in the Tech Fundamentals program, he is getting back on track and is resetting his life with a new career opportunity in tech.

“What reset means to me is having a fresh start. You have the chance to rewrite what has happened to you,” Cameron said.

U.S. Air Force Veteran Sarai enlisted after high school for a chance to create a better life for herself. During her time in the service, she experienced assault, isolation and feelings of powerlessness. Upon leaving the military, and during what she considered to be one of the lowest points in her life, she found that NPower offered a pathway for a career opportunity in tech, and also was a source of mental health support and professional development that helped her regain her confidence. With her experience and training in NPower’s advanced program, Sarai now works as an information security engineer and also gives back through her mentorship of NPower students.

Air Force Veteran Sarai.

“The NPower program helped create structure, purpose and clarity in my life, as well as renewing the passion for service and self improvement,” Sarai said.

Hear from other Veteran graduates on their life-changing experience in the NPower program: The Voices of NPower Veterans.

What to expect

Eligible applicants can start their application process online. Click here for more information on the application process. There will be a series of interviews to assess applicants’ eligibility and fit for the program. Applicants can speak to an NPower team member and attend a virtual information session to ask any questions. After participating in virtual interviews and being accepted into the NPower program, students can start their virtual classes to launch their IT career.

After 16 – 23 weeks of intensive hands-on technical and soft-skills training, students are placed in a paid internship with top corporations and nonprofits for on-the-job experience. Veterans and spouses can also benefit from NPower’s mentoring, employment readiness workshops and job placement assistance. NPower also offers professional development classes in resume writing, interviewing skills and other job readiness skills.

As an NPower alumni, Veterans can access a growing network in technology, as well as advanced programs, professional workshops, panel events, and can even give back to the community as a guest lecturer, mentor or NPower ambassador.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about NPower.

*The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. Verify information with the organization offering.

Article from blogs.va.gov