#USA #Tysons #PenFed Foundation #SMART Heroes #Veterans Training

Transitioning Veterans: A New Opportunity in Sheet Metal

The PenFed Foundation has recently announced its commitment to supporting military veterans by awarding a grant to the SMART Heroes Foundation. This initiative is designed to help transitioning military members navigate their return to civilian life, particularly in the skilled sheet metal industry. This program is not only life-changing for participants but also aims to fill the labor shortage in important technical careers.

Grant Benefits for Veterans

With this grant, veterans will receive comprehensive training that spans seven weeks. The training is rooted in the International Training Institute's (ITI) proven curriculum, thus ensuring that participants gain relevant and immediately applicable skills. The courses are provided at no cost to veterans, making it financially feasible for service members to participate without concern for tuition fees.

Andrea McCarren, President of the PenFed Foundation, asserted the organization's pride in supporting SMART Heroes Foundation. This program allows military personnel to focus solely on learning new skills, alleviating the financial burdens typically associated with educational programs.

Training and Career Development

The SMART Heroes initiative not only equips veterans with the necessary skills to excel in the sheet metal industry, but also offers mentorship and guidance through experienced instructors and veteran mentors. Training sessions will occur in collaboration with local apprenticeship programs and training centers nationwide. This model fosters relationships that are crucial for helping veterans adapt to their new career paths successfully.

Graduates can directly transition into the workforce by contacting one of approximately 150 training centers across the U.S. to continue their apprenticeship as second-year apprentices. This provides them with a significant edge over other candidates, as they can leverage their training and experience gained during the SMART Heroes program immediately.

Joshua Moore, a SMART Heroes Specialist for the ITI, noted, "We want veterans to start a new career in the sheet metal industry with a family-sustaining wage and benefits." The credit given for their time spent in the program further incentivizes participation, as graduates will effectively have one year of apprenticeship credit upon completion of the training.

Commitment to Supporting Veterans

The broader goal of this program is to impact approximately 120 transitioning service members each year. Such initiatives are vital, considering the challenges many veterans face when integrating back into civilian life. Not only do they need to deal with the emotional and psychological aspects of leaving military service, but they also have to contend with finding sustaining employment.

Founded in 2001, the PenFed Foundation stands as a beacon of support for veterans transitioning from service to success. Over the years, this nonprofit organization has channeled more than $55 million towards helping veterans, active-duty service members, and military families. By covering salaries and administrative costs through the PenFed Credit Union, the foundation ensures that more of the funds contributed go directly into meaningful programs.

Conclusion

The partnership between the PenFed Foundation and the SMART Heroes Foundation heralds a new chapter for many veterans eager to carve out successful careers in the sheet metal industry. By providing accessible education and ongoing support, both organizations are committed to ensuring that those who served their country can find respect, purpose, and stability in their civilian lives.

To learn more about this initiative and the extensive resources available, interested individuals can visit PenFed Foundation.