IBEW Veterans Committee Website
Tab- ABOUT US
Placeholder for IP video/ Veteran Video or LU Pics
Vision Statement
The IBEW Veterans Committee serves all those who have served, building community and strengthening veteran voices within the IBEW and throughout the entire electrical industry.
Mission Statement
- Founded in 2018, the IBEW Veterans Committee was established to assist, provide guidance to, and support IBEW local unions in building veterans committees designed to mentor young veterans and bring veterans issues to the forefront of the IBEW.
- The efforts of this committee bring together the house of labor, the veteran community at large, IBEW members who are veterans, and local union leadership to improve lives in the community and livelihoods of the IBEW workforce.
- The IBEW Veterans Committee seeks to organize individual local union committees in order to facilitate and connect national and community organizations with IBEW local unions to recruit and promote the hiring of veterans within the electrical industry.
- Local union committees can provide the means for educational and social activities to strengthen the connections between military veteran IBEW members, encourage committee members to be more fully informed about economic and political issues that affect them and foster their relationships with established union members and local union leadership.
Social Media channels (TBD)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/483145299101879/
Tab -VEEP – See website https://in2veep.com/about/
U.S. Military Veterans Electrical Entry Program (VEEP)
Are you a military member separating from service and looking for your next career? If so, you could have an exciting career as an IBEW Electrician waiting for you after separation ANYWHERE IN THE UNITED STATES.
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Complete a VEEP Program Application, and tell us where you want to relocate after separation.
Step 2: We will coordinate with one of over 300 NECA/IBEW apprenticeship programs across the U.S. to secure direct entry for you.
Step 3: You will attend a FREE 7- or 9-week pre-apprenticeship training in one of many states while you are in transition.
Step 4: When you can relocate to the area you’ve chosen, your new career will be waiting for you!
FAQ’s - Collapse style
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 into an electrical apprenticeship at a location of their choosing. Providing they accept Direct Entry Candidates.
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, 6 weeks online and 3 weeks in person. 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 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.
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.
VEEP Requirements: http://in2veep.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/VEEP-Requirements.pdf
VEEP CML Inside Electrician Overview: https://in2veep.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/VEEP-CML-high-points-rev5-1.pdf
VEEP Inside Electrician In Person Training Overview: https://in2veep.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/VEEP-high-points-rev5.pdf
MILITARY MEMBERS
How do I apply?
To sign up for VEEP, fill out the application form at www.in2veep.com
What is needed to participate?
All service members and recently separated veterans can 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. Click for more information. Click for a video
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 Skill Bridge or does it work in conjunction with Skill Bridge?
YES, we have Skill Bridge approval but we are also open to veterans and we also have an online version that can be done outside of Skill Bridge while in the service as long as you have internet access (through the firewall when deployed can be an issue)
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.
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 weeks 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 she 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 at www.in2veep.com 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 of an Honorable or General, Under Honorable Conditions.
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 say. Just don't apply too early. Suggested best time is one year prior to estimated terminal leave start date.
Is Chain of Command Approval documentation part of the requirement?
Short answer-Yes-IF you plan to attend training and make use of your Skill Bridge 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 our 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 compl
JATCS
- How can my JATC participate?
- 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?
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.
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.
Tab - CONTACT US
Interactive Veteran Map of Charter listings & Committee Members
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1Gf4WI2iw4AEEEkr0Ueq5kIfxcPcOK5s&ll=36.92198416700856%2C-97.42181636250001&z=4
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1EAbxHjdAGrnDuwHMT7P04Kd9QzPJI-U&ll=42.35450325395028%2C-111.55114609999998&z=4
AFL-CIO Veterans Council - https://unionveterans.org
The Union Veterans Council brings working-class veterans together to speak out on the issues that impact veterans most, especially the need for good jobs and a strong, fully funded and staffed VA
District Photos
Set up veterans email to be monitored by assigned (TBD)
Calendar of events
https://calendar.google.com/calendar/event?action=TEMPLATE&tmeid=MXRiZml1cTE5ZHI1NGJiY3FlbXZsbmV1NGQgaWJld3ZldGVyYW5zQG0&tmsrc=ibewveterans%40gmail.com
TAB- RESOURCESTitle Header/Collapse Style
This is your one stop shop to help Veterans. Their goal is to provide world-class benefits and services veterans have earned - and to do so by
adhering to the highest standards of compassion, commitment, excellence, professionalism, integrity, accountability, and stewardship.
If you are a veteran in crisis — or you’re concerned about one — free, confidential support is available 24/7.
Dial 988 (press 1)
Send a text to 838255,
Or start an online Confidential Veterans Chat with a counselor
You can also visit the Veterans Crisis Line’s website to learn more.
Call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
Call 911
Go to the nearest emergency room
- Veterans programs and benefits by state - Connect with your state here.
- Union Plus benefits exist to improve the quality of life for union member families. Get savings and discounts for you and your family on a variety of programs. https://www.unionplusmortgage.com/VeteransBenefits.html
- ESGR, a Department of Defense office, was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employer. https://www.esgr.mil/
- The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) protects service members' reemployment rights when returning from a period of service in the uniformed services, including those from the reserves or National Guard, and prohibits employer discrimination based on military service or obligation. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/programs/userra/resources
- WoVeN Women Veteran Network
- WINC: For all Women Veterans
A national peer support network for women of the military that offer peer support groups, retreats, military sexual trauma intensive therapy retreats, workshops, summits, and more.
- Military Child Care
Provides a single gateway for you to find comprehensive information on military-operated or military-approved childcare programs worldwide.
- National Military Family Association
Provides advice and information for families of service members who have been wounded or become ill during their term of service.
- Substance Abuse & Mental Health: SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
- PTSD Foundation of America
The PTSD Foundation exists to combat the impact of post-traumatic stress. It provides some counseling and networking service veterans, but it also works to raise awareness about PTSD so that families are better prepared to deal with it.
- Not only do 1 in 3 veterans live with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but 1 in 3 veterans also feel they don’t get the mental health services they need. We’re here to change that. https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/mental-wellness
- The VA’s Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP) is committed to helping Veterans, their partners, who are impacted by IPV. If you, or someone you know could be experiencing IPV - help is available. https://www.socialwork.va.gov/IPV/Index.asp
- Make a Veteran Smile
Board Certified in Plastic Surgery and a Clinical Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery, is offering reconstructive plastic surgery procedures free of charge to qualified veterans through his new Make a Veteran Smile program.
- Dental Care Resources for Veterans
Thorough resource page on many solutions for veterans and dental care
- Sierra Tucson
Recommended by doctors and therapists across the world, recognized for providing safe and successful treatment for those who are struggling with addiction and a wide range of complex behavioral health disorders.
- StartYourRecovery.org
Our goal is to offer people a single source of relatable, reliable information at any stage of their recovery journey.
- USA Cares
Warrior Treatment Today program helps service members obtain treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- VASH Program - The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program combines Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance for homeless Veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
- Homeless Veteran Stand Downs - Stand Downs are typically one- to three-day events providing supplies and services such as food, shelter, clothing, health screenings and VA Social Security benefits counseling to homeless Veterans. Veterans can also receive referrals to other assistance such as health care, housing solutions, employment, substance use treatment and mental health counseling. Stand Downs are collaborative events, coordinated between local VA Medical Centers, other government agencies and community-based homeless service providers.
- National Coalition for Homeless Veterans - The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) is the resource and technical assistance center for a national network of community-based service providers and local, state and federal agencies that provide emergency and supportive housing, food, health services, job training and placement assistance, legal aid and case management support for hundreds of thousands of homeless Veterans each year.
- AMVETS
Develops and promotes public policy on veteran-related issues such as VA funding, homelessness, retirement pay and disability compensation, employment and training.
- National Veterans Legal Services Program
NVLSP recruits, trains, and assists volunteer lawyers and advocates in support of efforts by veterans to obtain benefits they have earned through military service.
In addition to federal benefits for veterans, states have their own benefits and programs. Services range from veterans’ homes to tax credits, license plates to employment benefits.
The Union Plus Mortgage Program's Veteran's Grant will provide you with a one-time grant of $1,000. https://www.unionplus.org/sites/default/files/2018_VeteransGrant_Application%20w-W9-6-27-18.pdf
Veterans and Military Organizations
- American Legion
Programs and services, such as Heroes to Hometown, that aid and support
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
DAV is a nonprofit charity that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families. Specializing in navigating the benefit process, transportation and employment.
- Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Association (IAVA)
Programs of aid and assistance to veterans and their families, promotes awareness about veterans’ issues and advocates for supportive legislative policy and all governmental levels.
- Purple Heart Foundation
Provides services, programs and resources to help combat wounded and disabled veterans and their families with financial grants, claims assistance, PTSD resources, and employment counseling.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
wounded warriors and their families.
Assists veterans with VA claims, educational benefits, and financial support to meet obligations in mortgage and rent, home and auto repairs, insurance, utilities, food and clothing.
Women Veteran Resources
To provide a unique social network of women Veterans to foster connections and build relationships in local communities and across the nation. Women Veterans Network (WoVeN) (list-manage.com)
Community and Family
Health, Medical & Wellness
Leaving no one behind
Legal Assistance
Folds of Honor
Provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service-members.
Peer & Caregiver Support
Coalition Peer Support Program – Veteran Circle
Coalition Caregiver Support Program – Veteran’s Caregiver Alliance
Operation Family Caregiver
Nationwide Assistance for caregiver of service members.