General
What is VEEP?
The Veteran’s Electrical Entry Program (VEEP) was developed to provide transitioning service members and recently separated veterans the ability to reenter the civilian workforce in a high demand field. By completing the VEEP pre-apprenticeship a qualifying participant gains direct entry in to an electrical apprenticeship at a location of their choosing.
Who runs VEEP?
The VEEP pre-apprenticeship is a national electrical training ALLIANCE program offered at local training centers around the United States. When enough interest is gauged at a military base and a nearby training center, the electrical training ALLIANCE works to get a training agreement in place.
How long is VEEP?
For inside electrician programs, there are three versions. In person training runs 7 weeks, 5 days a week and computer mediated learning training is self directed, typically capped at 6 months from start to finish. There is also a hybrid model of virtual classroom training plus in person that runs 9 weeks, 5 days a week. The line program runs for 16 weeks, 6 days a week that include a wage, room and board. No family housing is provided or allowed. There are also typically 2 weeks of break in the schedule.
Where does VEEP take place?
VEEP training is currently offered only in limited locations. Currently, for inside electricians: In person inside electrician VEEP training is only offered in Anchorage Alaska and San Diego California. Hybrid virtual classroom plus in person training is held in Los Angeles California and Salt Lake City Utah. For inside electricians, there is an online only option as well.
For line worker programs: The training facility is at the Lazy Q facility in La Grange, Texas. We also refer applicants to two other lineworker training programs located in Georgia and Missouri.
The goal of VEEP is to be available nationwide, use the application or contact form to get current information on training locations.
Where can I get documents for VEEP?
Below are the documents available for download.
Military Members
How do I apply?
To sign up for VEEP, fill out the application form here.
What is needed to participate?
All service members and recently separated veterans are able to apply. Service members will also need to fulfill the requirements on the Participant Completion Requirements document both prior and during VEEP.
What does an electrician do?
Inside Wiremen install the power, lighting, controls and other electrical equipment in commercial and industrial buildings.
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Do I need to wait until my last 180 days in the service to apply to VEEP or can I do so now?
NO- get moving because you need to get papers signed by Transition Assistance and Command well in advance.
Apply not earlier than one year from your anticipated terminal leave date (best estimate at the time of application)
Is VEEP a separate program from SkillBridge or does it work in conjunction with SkillBridge?
YES , we have SkillBridge approval but we are also open to veterans and we also have an online version that can be done outside of SkillBridge while in the service as long as you have internet access (through the firewall when deployed can be an issue)
Inside Electrician has training models that support SkillBridge. The Lineman cohorts cannot at this time accept SkillBridge participants.
Does VEEP use the GI bill?
NO, there is no cost to participants for courses. HOWEVER if you need to travel to an in person offering there is no support provided for that and for the inside programs there is no support for living expense.
What are some of the key pre-requisites for applying?
IF you have a CLASS A CDL THEN the process is much smoother for Line Worker program. Even having said that, it is not a true pre-requisite. For inside there are no pre-req’s. For all there is just the need to be able to produce a DD-214 form 4 with Honorable or General, Under Honorable Conditions in the proper box and meet the minimum requirements to be an apprentice at your chosen location.
Both are open to all branches including Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserve.
Both are open to Veterans up to 5 years from EAS/EAOS to application
Inside is open for SkillBridge
Line is open for active duty only during terminal leave.
For the online training, is it the same curriculum/material that you’d be getting at the in person training?
We cannot provide the same curriculum in an online only format. There is overlap and there are courses which MAY be approved for advanced placement dependent upon local training program approval but some courses just cannot be done online only, such as conduit bending.
What skills will I be learning as an intern/apprentice?
During the VEEP pre-apprenticeship You will be exposed to most of if not all of the first year curriculum for the given apprenticeship. In addition if you are enrolled in an in-person cohort then there will be hands-on training as well. The seven week in person inside wireman programs have thorough conduit bending and wiring hands on training among other subjects. The lineman program at 16 weeks is the most thorough and will provide training and/or certification on climbing, digger-derrick operation, pole top rescue, line building among others. After VEEP you will enter a registered apprenticeship program somewhere of your choosing across the country. As an apprentice you will spend 8000 hours for inside wireman or 6000 hours for lineman to learn the skills and knowledge enabling you to perform at a level worthy of the label journey level worker.
What are the future dates for the program?
Future dates are announced on the website and applications will reflect the various locations and dates when they become available.
What kind of knowledge and experiences do I need to apply for these programs?
There is no prerequisite knowledge and experience requirement. There is no requirement to have a particular military occupation code (MOC). Just show up willing to work for a satisfying career and be able to produce a DD214 meeting minimum requirements.
IF- you have a CLASS A Commercial Drivers License- THEN- the process is much smoother for the Line Worker program. Even having said that, it is not a true prerequisite. For inside there is no need for the CDL. For all there is just the need to be able to produce a DD-214 form 4 with Honorable or General, Under Honorable Conditions in the proper box and meet the minimum requirements to be an apprentice at your chosen location.
Will VEEP be online or in a physical environment?
The line program is in person only. The inside electrician program has three options, in person, fully online, or hybrid virtual training plus in person.
When is the deadline to submit my packages?
Cohorts form throughout the year, so if you see that an application is open for your chosen occupation and location of training then jump on the application process. There is no other paperwork to submit until we start processing your application. There are no deadlines per se. Just don't apply too early. Suggested best time is one year prior to estimated terminal leave start date.
There will certainly be deadlines for your SkillBridge paperwork, but that is a question for TAP.
Is Chain of Command Approval documentation part of the requirement?
Short answer-Yes-IF you plan to attend training and make use of your SkillBridge window to attend training and be excused from duty then there will be a requirement that the VEEP program signs off on your package for the military. That paperwork will also inform VEEP as to hour responsibilities to your chain of command and points of contact. There are various document titles used in different branches. For online only programs see the other FAQ.
Do I still need to route requests for online only training through command to be approved, or could I just do the online on my own time?
Online only training for inside electricians can be done on your own time. Internet access will need to be available and access through any firewall for our websites must be assured. You will need sufficient free time to finish in a time agreeable to the receiving apprenticeship program, usually 6 months from start to completion.
JATCs
How can my JATC participate?
There are two ways a training center can participate by training or accepting. A training JATC would provide VEEP training and provide records and completion documentation to the Electrical Training Alliance. An accepting JATC would accept VEEP graduates into their electrical apprenticeship.
If interested in VEEP, those affiliated with training centers can fill out the form here to let the Electrical Training Alliance know of their interest.
Who facilitates the process?
The Electrical Training Alliance will work with training centers and service members to ensure everything runs smoothly. All learning materials will be provided free of charge to the participant and training center.