“Tired of being retired”

After serving in the United States Marines Corps for 28 years, Chuck went on to have a 10-year career at Indianapolis’ regional VA office.

Once in retirement, he realized he wanted to continue to work.

“I was tired of being retired,” Chuck said. “I wanted to have more of a purpose in life.”

Knowing he had a passion for computers, Chuck decided to delve into the IT world by taking a few classes at New Beginnings Computer Training. The company provides hand-on computer training to prepare students for an IT job.

While working to receive a few certifications at New Beginnings, he found out he could receive even further training at HVAF through the VetWorks workforce development program.

HVAF’s IT Dept helped Chuck with his goals

VetWorks – Veterans Workforce Renewing Knowledge and Skills – is an intensive 3 phase work, learn and earn program designed to skill up our veterans to achieve their earning potential. Veterans complete on-the-job training, have access to education/certifications and receive assistance with obtaining a good and promising job.

Chuck just recently completed Phase One of the VetWorks program by going through a 10-week internship with HVAF’s IT department.

“They assist us with projects, and we teach them soft skills along the way,” HVAF’s IT Coordinator Dewayne said. He also said they focus on helping the veterans learn more about networking, IP addresses, and cybersecurity.

Next steps

Now in Phase Two, HVAF’s employment specialists will help Chuck complete specific certifications he needs to begin his IT career. He would like to work in cybersecurity – and an employment specialist will help him achieve that dream in Phase Three.

“This internship gave me a good basic understanding of what it takes to be a help desk person which is basically what most people get starting in the IT industry,” Chuck said. “(The IT Team) is knowledgeable and they’re very helpful and I felt very comfortable working with them. They made me feel welcome and they were very willing to teach me what I wanted to learn.”

You can ensure veterans, like Chuck, can pursue their career goals by supporting HVAF’s mission today!