A Federal Department of Labor Grant, Veterans Accelerated Learning for Licensed Occupations (VALLO) was awarded to Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation in July 2018. Our team has aimed to bridge the gap between the ever-evolving workforce and future career opportunities for transitioning military service members.  Historically, civilian licensing requirements have discounted military training and experience, causing unnecessary burden in the form of additional education, training, time, and fees. However, when looking at years of service within military occupational specialties, job duties, and/or measurable competencies, we have found a large overlap when compared to civilian standards for licensing in respective occupations. Our goal has been to award service members credit for their education and experience obtained in the military so that they may be quickly licensed and employed within Kentucky. 

​

The Kentucky VALLO team has identified 35 disciplines/levels of licensure and are working to establish an accelerated pathway for each one.  Along with our partners at the University of Louisville and the Kentucky Career and Technical College System, the Kentucky VALLO team has worked diligently to advocate for direct reciprocity of occupational licensures, bridge curriculum for degree completion, and impact state legislation to benefit veteran employment and licensure mobility. Our philosophy states that the shortest pathway for the transitioning veteran is the best pathway. However, we also recognize the diverse needs of transitioning service members and present our career pathways as multi-faceted in order to most effectively cater to veteran career aspirations, levels of prior education, years of service, family/spousal interests, financial needs, time restrictions, location preferences, and employment wishes. 

 

We encourage transitioning service members, prospective employers, and states looking to replicate processes to utilize the resources we have provided. We would like to issue a thank you to Kentucky state agencies, licensure boards, and private training/educational institutes that have accompanied our work in establishing the Commonwealth as a leading entity for a veteran-friendly workforce.