Arkansas Veterans Education & Training Partnership (AVETP)

• Deparment of Labor AVETP News Release
• AVETP Participant Referral Form

The Arkansas Department of Workforce Services (ADWS), in partnership with the Arkansas Association of Two-Year Colleges (AATYC), ARVets, and the Arkansas Apprenticeship Coalition (AAC) requested funding to provide veterans with increased opportunities for assessment, training, supportive services, employment, and retained employment in Arkansas. Specifically, the Arkansas Veterans Education and Training Partnership (AVETP) project will provide resources to a minimum of 450 veteran participants entered into training programs for targeted renewable and energy efficiency industries, healthcare professions, and other occupations that are identified as high-demand occupations in Arkansas.

The term "veteran" means an individual who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable [WIA 101(49)].

The veteran must meet one of the following eligibility criteria:

• Veterans with service-connected disabilities
• Veterans who have significant barriers to employment
• Veterans who served on active duty in the armed forces during a war or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized; and/or
• Veterans who have been recently separated (those within 48 months of discharge).

Funding available:

• Up to $1000 to assist with training costs for eligible veterans
• Up to $500 for supportive services to eligible veterans

Veterans to be served over the life of the AVETP Grant Program will be a minimum of 900 veterans assessed, 450 veterans enrolled, and 356 veterans entered employment.

This project will utilize the following strategies to increase the number of eligible veterans in Arkansas who complete industry-recognized training programs and acquire gainful employment:

1. Utilize an individualized case management approach coupled with supportive services to ensure the success of the veteran participant throughout the process from assessment to employment placement and retention;
   
2. Leverage public/private resources provided by the diverse project implementation partners to access innovative training opportunities and pathways to high-growth jobs.

The proposed performance outcomes will be 80% of participants enrolling in industry recognized training opportunities that will complete training, an Employment Placement Rate of 75% and an Employment Retention Rate (ERR) of 65%. Participants who enter employment will be evaluated through the 90-day, 180-day, and 270-day employment retention follow-up periods after a participant is employed.

Lisa Ferrell
Project Coordinator
(501)371-1024
lisa.ferrell@arkansas.gov

Mark Mc Manus
Accountability Specialist
(501)978-3953
mark.mcmanus@arkansas.gov

Rebecca Edwards
Administrative
(501)682-3264
rebecca.edwards@arkansas.gov

To enroll participants into the AVETP Grant Program call:
Teiraney Ousley (501) 246-5341
Teiraney.ousley@arvests.org

www.arjoblink.com