VET S.T.E.P. Career Skills Program Will Train Service Members from Across the Country and Partner with Industry for Employment Opportunities
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the Department of the Army has approved the Veteran Semiconductor Training and Experience Program, or VET S.T.E.P., as an official Career Skills Program, part of the Department of Defense SkillBridge network. These programs assist service members, from all branches nationwide, as they transition out of the military and into civilian careers by providing industry-specific training, internships and other work experience. VET S.T.E.P.'s outreach to military installations will serve to educate service members about the employment opportunities available, demonstrate the transferability of military training and discipline to the microelectronics manufacturing field, and provide them with industry-specific onboarding to give participants the skills they need to land the job.
"In New York, we are deeply committed to supporting the brave men and women who serve and protect our country, and we are forever thankful for their service," Governor Hochul said. "Today, we reaffirm our commitment to New York's service members with concrete action, and the new VET S.T.E.P. program is the latest example of our workforce initiatives focused on helping veterans find meaningful, long-term employment after leaving the military. This new program will serve as a model for the rest of the nation to follow, and will put veterans on the path toward a successful career while strengthening the U.S. semiconductor industry."
NY CREATES President David Anderson said, "We are proud to launch the new VET S.T.E.P. initiative, which will honor active duty service members and veterans by providing them with opportunities for long-term, rewarding careers in the semiconductor industry. The men and women who serve our country are talented, hardworking, and dedicated - all qualities that are sought by global industry leaders. VET S.T.E.P. will offer a comprehensive training and experience program that connects veterans to companies and careers - and that's a win for everyone involved."
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The new Vet S.T.E.P. program will generate new opportunities for our veterans by providing much needed skills that will amplify our high tech workforce, a key component to growing the semiconductor industry in New York State. I applaud our partners at NY CREATES for developing this innovative program which will ensure a robust talent pipeline for the future."