Build your skills at VA: Training programs to explore

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is invested in helping you grow your career in service of our Veterans. We offer multiple training opportunities to help you build your skills, all while earning an unbeatable salary and federal benefits package. Here’s a look at a few of the programs available at VA to help you kickstart a meaningful career serving our nation’s heroes. 

 Investing in VA Nursing (IVAN) Training Program 

The Investing in VA Nursing (IVAN) Training Program transforms entry-level workers into skilled nursing assistants supporting the daily needs of Veteran patients throughout Minnesota. If you have excellent customer service skills and an interest in supporting all aspects of patient care, check out this 6-month training program and see if you’re a fit. 

Graduate Healthcare Administration Training Program (GHATP) 

The Graduate Healthcare Administration Training Program (GHATP) is a 12-month training program that gives trainees opportunities to work in a medical center director’s office, interacting closely with our health care administrators and enjoying unlimited access to executive meetings and committees. Trainees work side-by-side with leaders of state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, expanding the breadth and depth of their knowledge of healthcare management in order to prepare for management positions within VA organizations. Open trainee positions will be announced by the HR staff at the host sites. Locations change every year, allowing for opportunities across the United States. The recruitment phase is typically conducted from January to May, with programs that run from June to June of the following year.   

For information, contact the GHATP program manager at VHAGHATPProgramManager@va.gov    

Technical Career Field (TCF) trainee program  

If you’re ready to engineer your career, consider the Technical Career Field (TCF) trainee program. The TCF program is one of VA’s largest workforce development initiatives, created to build talent in high-demand technical fields that support Veteran care behind the scenes. Through this structured program, trainees receive 1 to 2 years of paid, full-time training, complete with mentorship, hands-on experience, and a personalized development plan. Positions are posted from March through August, though not every field may offer TCF training every year.   

There is no set date for job announcements at all locations, so be sure to search available job postings regularly to see if, where, and when your field of interest is accepting applications. 

Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses 2.0 (VET TEC 2.0) 

VA offers a unique training opportunity to help eligible Veterans and active-duty service members develop skills to start or advance their career in a high-tech industry, and this includes tech jobs at VA. Through VET TEC 2.0, eligible students receive tuition and fees payment(s) made directly to their training provider, a books and supplies stipend, and a monthly housing allowance that is equal to what is paid by the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit. Check out open roles in IT here.  

Join our mission 

VA knows that investing in its workforce leads to better care for Veterans. Come see what VA can do for you and your career. Learn more about opportunities for trainees at VA Careers.