Veteran transition training courses at the VECTR Center get funding boost

WARNER ROBINS — Veterans transitioning to civilian life will soon see enhancements in courses thanks to a federal grant awarded to Central Georgia Technical College and the Georgia Veterans Education Career Transition Resource Center. 

On May 1, U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff announced funding to help veterans after they leave the Armed Forces. This included a $300,000 grant to enhance transitional services at the VECTR Center. 

According to Ossoff’s website, a bipartisan government funding bill that became a law on February 3 included $21.4 million for the SBA’s Veterans Outreach Program. This supports veteran-owned small businesses through entrepreneurial training, counseling, and mentorship. Like the VECTR Center, these organizations help veterans find jobs after serving. 

The VECTR Center was one of three organizations to receive grants. ATLVets in Sandy Springs received $223,000 and the Library Foundation of Clayton County in Jonesboro received $300,000.

Chief Operating Officer of the VECTR Center Don Layne said they applied for the grant to help with their mission of being a “one stop shop” for veterans, including transitioning troops and their families to civilian life. 

One of the ways the center helps families is by adding a spouse course where they are taught IT skills. He believes the grant will help the center continue offering similar courses. 

“We were in need of trying to further our mission and help us get done what we do,” he said. 

The grant will go toward training efforts for troops transitioning from active duty to civilian life, like offering a variety of courses. For example, they believe younger people who served from 18 years old to 24 years old are at a prime time in life to learn a skill set that supports them and their family as they further their education, Layne said. 

While they are in service, many do not have a transferable skill, but the VECTR Center will help find their strengths.

Layne said they are taught skills at an accelerated rate that can go toward a high-demand job in the Middle Georgia area. 

The courses currently offered are AI and robotics, Cisco networking for computers, HVAC, welding, truck driving and industrial systems. All of the courses are taught by CGTC instructors. 

Layne said they are able to take what they learn and apply for jobs in those areas. 

This is done through a program called Skillbridge, which is part of the Department of War. During the last 120 days of a service member’s commitment, they are able to join the center to take their desired course while still earning a paycheck from the military. 

Layne said this is not a typical college experience, and service members are at the center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We’re able to squeeze a whole year’s worth of college credit courses in 15 weeks, so 24 credit hours in that time period,” he said. 

Layne said he looks forward to providing for veterans and transitioning active duty members. 

He credits CGTC President Ivan Allen for having the vision and goal of assisting veterans. Layne said a lot of people don’t realize the Center is part of the college since Allen’s goal was to put veterans first, not increase college enrollment. 

“The goal of establishing that was to be there for the people that were there for our nation. This grant furthers that and [Allen’s] vision of the success that VECTR has become,” he said. 

The VECTR Center is located at 1001 South Armed Forces Boulevard. To learn more about the Center, visit: gavectr.org/index.html