Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today announced new education and training opportunities for veterans, made possible through the VOW to Hire Heroes Act for which Larsen voted. The Veteran Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP), a joint initiative between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Labor, will help train 99,000 unemployed veterans between the ages of 35 and 60 for new jobs in high-demand sectors.

“This initiative is a real win-win for veterans and employers in Northwest Washington,” Larsen said. “This program will help veterans get the extra training they need to succeed in growing sectors like aerospace manufacturing, and will help fill the gap for manufacturers that need qualified applicants. We owe a special duty to veterans to help them find a job after separating from the military. This program will help veterans train for and succeed at the jobs they deserve.”

Veterans can apply for new benefits through the program to cover education costs for training for high-demand jobs for up to one year.  While many educational benefits for veterans expire 12 years after veterans separate from the military, VRAP benefits could be used by veterans who no longer qualify for their original benefits.

Larsen voted for the VOW to Hire Heroes Act, which was signed into law by President Obama in November 2011. The VOW to Hire Heroes Act also provides tax credits to employers that hire veterans.

Veterans seeking more information on how to apply for VRAP benefits can visit www.benefits.va.gov/VOW, or call the Department of Veterans Affairs call centers toll free at 1-800-827-1000. Veterans may also access the VRAP application online at https://www.ebenefits.va.gov.

Larsen’s office in Everett can help 2nd Congressional District veterans with working with the Department of Veterans Affairs to resolve benefits issues and other matters. Larsen’s Everett office can be reached at (800) 562-1385.

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