IMPORTANT: The VET TEC pilot program has ended April 1st, 2024 and no new VET TEC enrollments can be submitted.
Click here to review alternative funding options including scholarships and payment plans.
VET TEC & GI Bill® Veteran Education Benefits
Technology Trade School | Vocational Certificate Programs
VET TEC is a new program designed to help Veterans gain certifications in high tech, high demand career fields. If you are a Veteran with GI Bill benefits remaining, and meet the VET TEC requirements listed below, then you may be eligible to enroll in a full length certificate program at DWC.
If you qualify through VET TEC, then you would enroll in a one of DWC’s certificate programs, which are offered with small class sizes in a bootcamp format. Talk to an advisor before enrollment to learn more.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
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Getting Started
In order to qualify for VET TEC, you must first have active GI Bill benefits available. If you have not done so already, review the full list of VET TEC eligibility requirements and apply here.
You must have an active COE prior to enrollment. Our Admissions Team will contact you to request that you upload a COE and supporting documents.
DWC offers new cohorts beginning approximately at the start of each quarter (Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct). Limited seats for VET TEC students are available in each cohort.
We do not currently accept VRRAP or other GI Bill® benefits.
If you meet these eligibility requirements, students are required to complete a program application and info session.
After you have attended your info session, your application will be reviewed by our Admissions Team and we will notify you of next steps for enrollment.
You may only register for one program using VET TEC, however, additional Veterans scholarships may be available for those who qualify.
What is VET TEC?
VET TEC is a technology education program to help eligible Veterans get job skills in high tech careers. According to the VA’s VET TEC website, “if you want to gain computer experience to start or advance your career in the high-technology industry, find out if you’re eligible for our Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) program that matches you with a leading training provider to help you develop high-tech skills.”
VET TEC is a 5-year pilot program. You can participate as long as the funding is available through the VA.
To apply for Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) through the VA, click here.
Digital Workshop Center is an eligible training provider through VET TEC. If you are already approved from the VA and ready to begin your education, you need to speak to a DWC student advisor before enrollment.
Who qualifies for VET TEC?
Digital Workshop Center works closely with Veterans education offices to determine and consistently report eligiblity requirements. The VA states determines that you may be eligible for the VET TEC program if you meet all of the following requirements:
- You aren’t on active duty or are within 180 days of separating from active duty, and
- You qualify for VA education assistance under the GI Bill, and
- You have at least one day of unexpired GI Bill entitlement, and
- You’re accepted into a program by a VA-approved training providerNote: Your VET TEC training won’t count against your GI Bill entitlement, and you need only one day of unexpired GI Bill benefits to participate.
If you are eligible for VET TEC and have GI Bill benefits remaining, you may also be able to enroll through the VA in a career guidance program called Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (PCPG). According to the VA website, “PCPG is a program designed to support you in making a successful transition from military to civilian life. PCPG offers career counseling, assessment, education planning and guidance resources to help you set and achieve personal, career and education goals. It provides you with one-on-one support –putting you in the driver’s seat of your education or career plan.”
Download the VA’s guide on PCPG here.
Is VET TEC right for me?
Veterans looking to add new skills in technology careers or simply add new tech skills to their resume would be ideal candidates for VET TEC. You must first check that you meet the eligibility requirements from the VA, and, secondly speak to a student advisor at DWC.
Certificate Programs from DWC that are eligible for VET TEC or GI Bill funding are a proven way to add skills to your resume and make you marketable to employers.
If you have questions for the VA about the program or how to apply:
- Call the VA at 888-442-4551. Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET. If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 711.
- Or email the VA at VETTEC.VBABUF@va.gov.
If you have questions for DWC about enrollment, talk to an advisor for free today to learn more and recieve a free, individual training plan including an estimate of costs and a draft schedule.
How does VET TEC pay for my tuition?
Information on tuition and awards for payments may be found in your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) letter from the VA. As an approved training provider, DWC will receive up to 100% of the approved tuition and fee charges in three installments.
The first 25% payment for the approved tuition and fees charges after you begin training. After the successful completion of the program, your Training Provider will receive the second 25%. The final 50% payment will be issued to your Training Provider when you secure “meaningful employment.”
The VA defines “meaningful employment” as:
- Traditional employment in a career supported by the completed program of study.
- Promotion in your current career if you are currently employed in a career supported by the completed program of study.
- Self-Employment if you own or operate a business and are utilizing the skills obtained through the completion of the program of study.
Employment must be secured in the field in which you were trained within 180 days from the successful completion date of the program. It is the responsibility of both you and your Training Provider to confirm your employment status to the VA before the final payment can be issued. VA may request additional supporting evidence to substantiate employment including an offer letter, pay stub, promotion offer, note from manager, or marketing material showing expansion in scope or level of services for veteran owned businesses.
Paid internships, paid apprenticeships, and contract employment are included as meaningful employment. [Source: VET-TEC website]
If you have questions for DWC about enrollment, talk to an advisor for free today to learn more.
Ready to start with VET TEC & DWC?
Why Digital Workshop Center?
average increase in salary of
certificate program students *
average months to find
employment after graduation ^
graduation
rate *
career coaching and
mentoring included
Always Live & Online | Hands-On | Affordable | Small Class Sizes | Expert Instructors
*Profile report data based on 2020-2023 Employment and Wage survey submissions
^Based on 2021-2023 data only | *Based on 2021-2023 data & does not include Blueprint, WP/PS/ILL/ID/ bootcamps or B.Admin data
VET TEC FAQs
What Is Included In A Certificate Program?
Similar to any higher education program, each Certificate Program is comprised of many stand-alone classes. Once you have completed all the necessary course work, plus a Capstone project and program specific assignments, then you will earn your certificate.
Certificate programs include:
- Materials: Professional Textbook(s) or Reference Packet(s) for every class
- Data files: Download materials with practice examples
- Support: Mentoring and coaching throughout your program, plus one month of mentoring support
- One year for a free re-take (for attended students of public classes only)
- Career coaching workshops including one-on-one resume writing and job search
When does VET TEC funding end?
VET TEC is a 5-year pilot program. You can participate as long as the funding is available.
Funding for VET TEC is currently set to expire at the end of 2023.
Your GI Bill entitlement will not be impacted by your participation in the VET TEC program, but changes to your GI Bill eligibility could potentially impact your eligibility for VET TEC.
[Source: VA COE eligbility letter]
When are VET TEC-eligible programs offered at Digital Workshop Center?
How much Monthly Housing Stipend will I receive?
You will receive a Monthly Housing Stipend. If you are attending in-residence training, this amount is equal the military Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents, based on the zip code of where you are physically attending training.
If you are pursuing training through distance or online learning only, the Monthly Housing Stipend will be paid at the rate of one-half of the national average of the military Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents. Please note that ALL of DWC’s programs are currently offered as online learning only.
Active Duty Service members or individuals called to Active Duty are not eligible for a monthly housing stipend. (Public Law 116-315, section 4302 and Public Law 115-48, section 116 In addition, the monthly housing stipend will be prorated for any break in training that is greater than 7 days.
[Source: VA COE eligbility letter]
How do I Verify My Monthly Housing Stipend Once Enrolled?
In order to receive your monthly housing stipend, you must verify your attendance each month with the VA.
Verifying your attendance is quick and easy. Following each month of training, please email the Buffalo VET TEC processing team at VETTEC.VBABUF@va.gov to confirm your attendance for the previous month.
In your email please include the following:
- First, Middle Initial and Last Name
- The month(s) you are verifying attendance
- DO NOT include your social security number (SSN) or other sensitive personal information, such
as orders, direct deposit information or address changes.
It is your responsibility to submit a monthly verification of attendance at the beginning of each month following the month in which you attended training. VA will only issue a monthly housing payment after you verify your attendance to VA. Please note, you may be responsible for any housing debts resulting from a reduction, withdrawal or termination of your program or changes to your eligibility.
[Source: VA COE eligibility letter]
What if I withdraw or am terminated from DWC while using VET TEC benefits?
You must promptly notify your training provider’s certifying official and the VA if there is any change in your enrollment. Note this may create an overpayment for which you will be responsible.
Generally, VA cannot pay if:
- You did not attend; or
- You withdrew or terminated the training; or
- You were terminated for progress in training by the training provider or
- There are changes in your currently approved enrollment or
- There was a change in your Active Duty status; or
- Your Character of Discharge was not Honorable
Please note: If you graduated or are terminated/withdrew from your VET TEC training, you must wait 18 months before you can apply for VET TEC again. VA may grant a waiver to this policy if you are called to active duty during your training.
[Source: VA COE eligbility letter]
Is career counseling included with my enrollment using VET TEC?
As a student at DWC and a Veteran using VET TEC, you have access to multiple career counseling services.
If you are eligible for VET TEC and have GI Bill benefits remaining, you may also be able to enroll through the VA in a career guidance program called Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (PCPG). According to the VA website, “PCPG is a program designed to support you in making a successful transition from military to civilian life. PCPG offers career counseling, assessment, education planning and guidance resources to help you set and achieve personal, career and education goals. It provides you with one-on-one support –putting you in the driver’s seat of your education or career plan.”
Download the VA’s guide on PCPG here.
DWC also offers career counseling services for all program students including resume reviews, job search reviews, and interview coaching prep. Learn more about our career coaching options here.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Learn more about financial aid options including DWC’s 0% interest financing and payments plans.
Tech Skills Scholarships for Veterans are also available for those who qualify. Click here to learn more.
Questions?
We are here to help! To best assist you, we can schedule a complimentary meeting with a student advisor where you can discuss your goals, customize your training plan, and review all costs and time for your program.
Our student advisors will work with you every step of the way to make sure you get the skills you need to succeed along your professional development path.
Contact us here or call our offices at 970-980-8091.
To learn more about what to expect, scheduling, and common questions, you may also download our welcome guide here.
Before I was hired my employer was excited to hear that I had lined up a course for web development as it aligned with their needs. After being hired I have been applying my training almost every day to introduce features that make for a more dynamic website, whether for our new one or for our existing one. I now have a better understanding of that world and can reference back to my valued experience I gained at the DWC.