Free tech training for all vets

The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched two training programs as part of the Veterans Economic Communities Initiative — and they're both free and don't use up GI Bill benefits. The goal is to offer education to help veterans move ahead in civilian careers, learn skills and earn credentials.

Learning Hubs: Offered in 50 cities, and classes can be both in person and online. Learning includes course material and local experts, as well as networking opportunities. After completion, veterans receive a free verified certificate from Coursera. Get started at blog.coursera.org/veterans. Notice the info on the right of the screen: They partner with top universities and organizations.

Accelerated Learning Programs: Intended, for the most part, to build on what was learned in the military. The first group of courses is IT-related and includes:

• Coding/programming boot camps — training and prep for two certification exams;

• 80-plus IT certifications — in hardware, software, networking, web services and more;

• Network support engineer job training and certification for those with strong IT experience or a degree;

• Cybersecurity training and certification — based on National Cybersecurity Workforce Framework;

• IT help desk job training — eight-week entry-level program into an IT career;

• IT boot camps for desktop support and Windows expertise.

Who can apply: Veterans from any era and current service members who are within six months of getting out (with approval of commander). Veterans will need to have honorable or other than dishonorable discharge. Most programs have no prerequisites.

Go online to benefits.va.gov and search for either the Accelerated Learning Program or Learning Hubs.

This is a great opportunity to get some free education, and you'll get help with job placement once you complete a program.