(SitNews) - Alaska veterans will now be able to get training for good-paying jobs in the maritime industry after fast action by U.S. Senator Mark Begich earlier this month.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) responded quickly to a March 6th letter Begich sent demanding the agency reverse its bureaucratic finding and approve an application by the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) to establish a program to teach ship-building skills for a budding new Southeast Alaska industry.

Begich’s letter to U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki requested that the VA quickly approve a twice-denied application by UAS to have a new Maritime and Multi-skilled Worker credential program in Ketchikan recognized by the VA. 

Begich was informed on March 14th that the Maritime and Multi-Skilled Worker program was approved retroactively to Sept. 1, 2013.

“I’m pleased to hear the VA heeded my request to approve this program that gives veterans a chance to be part of a dynamic and growing sector of the Southeast Alaska economy,” Begich said. “Today’s common-sense decision will help Southeast Alaska employers and veteran job seekers alike. These are the kind of bureaucratic hurdles I'm fighting in Washington every day and I'm glad the federal government is getting out of the way so more Alaskans can get good-paying jobs.”

“I appreciate Senator Begich’s willingness to intervene in order to make sure Alaskan veterans participate in important workforce programs in their communities,” said UAS Chancellor John Pugh.

The program is a 12-week general training course for the marine industry, including ship building.  It also reduces the sea time needed to meet the requirements for Qualified Marine Engine Department certification by the U.S. Coast Guard.  The program is expected to help our universities prepare veterans for good-paying jobs for Alaskans.

Begich also noted that, as a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, he has made it a priority to honor the nation’s commitment to its veterans, including by supporting workforce training options.

Edited by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News: 

Office of U.S. Sen. Mark Begich
www.begich.senate.gov

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