Denham Commemorates Two Years of Veterans Skills to Job Act

Wednesday was the two-year anniversary of the signing of the Veterans Skills to Jobs Act by U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock). In order to make it easier for veterans to use skills acquired in the military once they’d returned home, Denham introduced the act in 2012 with the help of U.S. Representative Tim Waltz (D-MN).

“The Veterans Skills to Jobs Act was step one in increasing employment opportunities for veterans,” said Denham. “As an Air Force vet, I was once told I’d need three years of schooling to maintain private sector aircraft after having served as a crew chief. Veterans across the country told me similar stories. The Veterans Skills to Jobs Act is a common-sense solution to that problem. In February of 2012, Rep. Walz and I also co-founded the Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus with Senators Kirk and Manchin. With our private sector partners, we remain committed to ensuring our veterans can put their valuable skills to use after returning to civilian life.”

The Veterans Skills to Jobs Act encourages federal agencies to recognize skills obtained in the military for veterans seeking federal work licenses. Since the passing of the bill in 2012, considerable progress has been made to improve employment opportunities for veterans. In fact, the overall veteran unemployment rate has decreased 2.9 percent.

One of the federal agencies in question is the Department of Energy, which has moved to work with the Department of Defense directly, ensuring that industry credentials can be awarded immediately to transitioning veterans.

“The Association of the United States Navy (AUSN) is happy to join Representative Jeff Denham of California in celebrating the two year anniversary of the Vets Skills to Jobs Act,” said Anthony A. Wallis, legislative director of the AUSN. “As an initial supporter of the legislation, AUSN is pleased that this bill passed in 2012 and has helped many veterans receive the certifications from their skills learned in the military, which can then be applied to their post-service careers.”