The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently released data that shows the new GI Bill program being implemented is making a positive difference for veterans. Those interested should enroll as early as possible before the funds expire.

A VA Education Service post on their Facebook page included a few comments about the effectiveness of the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) program. The program aims to train veterans in computer coding, information security and network administration.

Since the VA started the program, more than 1,200 veterans have found employment in their fields within 67 days of completing the program, with an average starting salary exceeding $57,000.

Currently, however, the successful and popular program is only supposed to last for a limited time. The pilot program is expected to end on September 30, 2023.

A budget of $45 million per year was established for VET TEC by Congress. After the VA implemented its application process in the fiscal year 2020, the funding ran out within a month of launching it and within seven months in the fiscal year 2021. Application submissions will open on Oct. 1, 2022, for the next fiscal year.

The program is open only to veterans who have been out of the military for a minimum of six months. Furthermore, you need to have at least one day left of GI Bill eligibility remaining. If you use the VET TEC program, you will not be charged anything under your GI Bill entitlement.

The program will remain open as long as funding is available.

The VA's website has a list of schools that participate in the VET TEC program, and you can find out which schools are participating. Suppose you are not able to find meaningful employment within six months of graduating from a school listed as "preferred providers." In that case, the VA will refund your tuition fee.

There is also employment assistance as part of the VET TEC program, which includes a particular employer association and a resume-building and review service through an organization called Hiring Our Heroes.

You can find out more about VET TEC  by visiting their website.