#United States #Atlanta #Military Training #VTEC #Fort Gillem

VTEC Fort Gillem National Training Center: A Transformative Workforce Development Initiative

The Veterans Training Empowerment Center (VTEC), a revered nonprofit organization specializing in military workforce programs, has announced the expansion of its Fort Gillem National Training Center. This center serves as a centralized hub aimed at enhancing training opportunities for service members, veterans, and military families. Designed as a response to the increasing demand for skilled workers across various sectors, the Fort Gillem center promises to deliver significant returns on investment for federal and state government agencies.

A Unified System for Workforce Development

The Fort Gillem National Training Center is engineered to provide seamless training, credentialing, and placement into high-demand civilian jobs for transitioning service members. The opportunity to scale training capacity and centralize employer access is crucial in strengthening workforce participation. With projections of training around 10,000 soldiers annually, the center's impact on reducing unemployment and bolstering economic development cannot be overstated.

Measurable Outcomes and Economic Impact

VTEC's operational model is rooted in an outcome-driven approach tailored to deliver measurable public value. With the goal of achieving a 100% training-to-hire placement rate, VTEC leverages employer-aligned training pipelines. The forecast outcomes highlight an impressive retention rate of 95%, ensuring that transitioned service members are supported in their new positions.

Additionally, by eliminating out-of-pocket expenses for soldiers and their families, the initiative opens doors for a wider demographic, ensuring that military talent is utilized effectively in the workforce. The projected value generated through this training program amounts to $45 million in direct job creation and approximately $4 billion in economic growth.

Comprehensive Support Across Government Agencies

1. U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)

VTEC plays a pivotal role in minimizing unemployment claims and reducing the burden on the DOL. As service members transition from military to civilian jobs without experiencing an unemployment gap, federal and state unemployment payouts are significantly reduced. This initiative can lead to substantial savings for the government while improving national workforce development priorities.

2. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

The center further alleviates the demand on VA employment programs by providing comprehensive training and job placement services. This will not only reduce case loads but will also foster a stable environment for veterans, lowering crisis risks associated with unemployment, mental health issues, and homelessness.

3. U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)

With a clear pathway to civilian careers, VTEC enhances DoD's ability to recruit and retain talent. Service members will be more inclined to join with the assurance that their military service paves the way for solid job opportunities upon separation.

4. Economic Development Agencies

By focusing on producing job-ready employees in critical sectors like manufacturing and technology, VTEC strengthens regional economies across states, aligning with federal economic goals.

5. State Workforce Agencies

This initiative fosters lower state unemployment burdens and increases tax revenues, enhancing state budgets without additional taxation. Employed veterans contribute to their communities through income, sales, and property taxes.

6. Federal and State Legislators

VTEC Fort Gillem stands as a national model for efficient use of federal resources in workforce development, offering a measurable success story for legislators focused on job creation.

Building a National Workforce Engine

The Fort Gillem National Training Center is more than just an educational institution; it is a robust system designed from the ground up to benefit the military community and beyond. It creates pathways for transitioning service members into high-demand careers, simultaneously reducing the burden on government resources and enhancing economic outcomes.

David W. Gallemore, CEO of VTEC, stated, “When soldiers transition directly into good jobs, everyone wins — the servicemember, the family, the employer, and the taxpayer.” This sentiment echoes the deep commitment VTEC has to forging not just a career for its clients but a brighter economic future for the nation as a whole.

In summary, VTEC's Fort Gillem National Training Center is poised to be a game-changer in military workforce development, promising high returns not just for individual service members, but for the entire economy.