Schools

Fitzpatrick, MBIT Look to Tackle Vet Unemployment

New program assesses veteran skills, establishes career plan.

Earlier this week Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8) joined local veterans and members of the Middle Bucks Institute of Technology (MBIT) Board of Trustees in opening the technical school’s new Veterans Training and Assessment Program.

Aimed at veterans and their families, the program points applicants in the right direction by building a career plan centered on that person’s skill set and desires. Enrollees in the program can begin classes at MBIT, or any other trade school that accepts the GI Bill.

In commending MBIT for launching the veterans training program, the congressman, a member of the Veterans Jobs Caucus on Capitol Hill, said it could not be more timely. 

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“The unemployment rate in this country is too high, and for our veterans it is nearly double the nation’s average,” said Fitzpatrick. “The program is designed to connect skilled, hard working veterans with good, family sustaining jobs right here in our area.”

“When I talk to employers, like district manufacturers, they often cite frustration over their inability to fill vacancies in their businesses.  This program turns two problems into a great opportunity.”

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Just this week, Fitzpatrick’s office introduced one veteran to the new program. 

“Already we’ve been able to help one young Iraq War veteran address his educational goals by introducing him to this new opportunity,” Fitzpatrick said.

“He was having a hard time finding a job and was unsure if he wanted to use his GI Bill, thinking he was better suited to working with his hands. We explained that through MBIT he could use the GI Bill for trades training right here in Bucks County.”

“We are excited to now offer this service to our veterans and can’t thank Congressman Fitzpatrick enough for his role in getting Middle Bucks Institute of Technology approved to offer such an important opportunity to our nation’s fighting men and women,” said Nancy Messick, Adult Education Coordinator at MBIT.

Fitzpatrick has been involved with tackling the high unemployment rate of veterans through increasing GI Bill availability to trade and technical schools like Middle Bucks Institute of Technology as well as advocating for continued funding of veteran tuition assistance. He has also established a Veterans Advisory Committee that works on proposed legislation and policy impacting veterans and their families.

“Any veterans, old or young, are encouraged’ to contact my office and our Veterans Affairs department for information on anything from education to their health,” Fitzpatrick said.


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