Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/608109
November 23 - December 13, 2015 17 Working Veterans l WorkingWorld.com For more information contact: Los Angeles Valley College careereducation@lavc.edu (818) 778-5751 • (818) 947-2600 http://www.lavc.edu Head to a High Paying Job and Great Career Opportunities. LAVC Classes Los Angeles Valley College ■ Administration of Justice ■ Broadcasting ■ Business ■ Child Development ■ Commercial Music ■ Computer Science ■ Electronics ■ Engineering ■ Fire Technology ■ Journalism ■ Manufacturing ■ Media Arts ■ Nursing ■ Photography ■ Respiratory Therapy ■ Solar Technology ■ Technical Theater Enroll in the Following Areas: Including General Education Courses to Complete Your Degree The Semester Runs August 31, 2015 – December 20, 2015 CAREER TRAINING or currently in the reserves or National Guard. (Active duty personnel and their spouses are not eligible.) • The training program must be registered with DAS and approved by the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE). • Your employer must certify your hours each month. Benefit payments assume a minimum number of hours worked per month (currently 120) — if you work fewer hours, your benefit will be reduced proportionately. • You cannot currently be using your G.I. Bill benefits for college. You can use your benefits for either college or job training, but not both at the same time. GETTING STARTED To find an apprenticeship program in your area, you can search the listings of current programs on the Department of Industrial Relations DAS website at www.dir.ca.gov/das/das.html. DAS and CSAAVE are currently working on an online resource specifically for veterans, which will include a list of programs that are pre- approved for G.I. Bill benefits. If your current job includes six months or more of training, it may be possible to set up a qualifying OTJ training or apprenticeship program, even if your employer doesn't currently have one. "If employer is willing, training programs can be registered with DAS or directly with CSAAVE," explains Don Merrill. "When that's approved, the employee can receive benefits." Merrill, a veteran himself, is happy to answer questions or help veterans find or set up an approved training program. He can be reached at (916) 263-0718 or DMerrill@dir.ca.gov. Even if you are not eligible for G.I. Bill benefits, Merrill recommends taking a close look at the available apprenticeship opportunities, which could be your gateway to a fulfilling — and well-paying — new career. "People assume you have to go to school for eight years and become a teacher making $32,000 a year when a professional janitor can make $54,000," he says. "And plumbers and electricians can make a lot more."