Transitioning from military service to a civilian career field just got a whole lot easier with a brand-spanking new initiative called VIE-25.

"The program is an opportunity for readiness in securing very good employment," said Jennifer Weinmann, a worker-retraining advisor at Clover Park Technical College (CPTC). "The majority of servicemembers transitioning now are using this program."

The VIE stands for Veterans Industry Education; the 25 refers to community and technical colleges within 25 miles of Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM).

The program is a first-in-the-nation collaboration between the community and technical college system, state agencies and the Armed Forces.

CPTC joins Pierce College, Bates Technical College, Green River College, Highline College, South Puget Sound Community College, and Tacoma Community College as partners in the program.

Costs ranging from tuition and book allowance to transportation and day care for participating servicemembers are covered by various state and federal resources.

"Pretty much everything a servicemember needs to transition is here," commented Brianne Henderson, who recently separated from the Army and began working in CPTC's certified nursing assistant program.

Henderson said that RallyPoint/6 was invaluable in pointing her in the direction of VIE-25.

Located in nearby Lakewood, RallyPoint/6 (www.rp6.org) is a one-stop resource center for transitioning military members, veterans and family members.

"They were great," continued Henderson, "and their educational liaison was great."

Initial training is aimed at programs that take six months or less to complete and lead to jobs with growth potential.

Programs at CPTC include fundamental skills for manufacturing and engineering, machinist helper, advanced composite manufacturing, refrigeration specialist, nursing assistant-certified, hemodialysis technician, health unit coordinator, carpentry pre-apprenticeship trades academy, CISCO network design and security, and computer and communications security.

With approval from their commanding officers, servicemembers may participate in programs featured on www.wacareerpaths.com as their military duty during their last six months of service.

"Instead of leaving the service and then looking at colleges, we want servicemembers to earn a credential and become immediately employable," commented JBLM Commander Col. Daniel Morgan, recently.

For more information about the VIE-25 program, visit www.sbctc.edu or contact CPTC's Weinmann at jennifer.weinmann@cptc.edu.