From service to skilled careers: Workforce partnerships power veterans’ next mission

23 people pose for a group photo in a wood-paneled auditorium with rows of seats, flags, a podium and a VEEP display. — *October 2026 VEEP Graduating Cohort.*

For military veterans, the transition from serving their country to building a civilian career can be one of life’s most significant challenges. Yet the discipline, leadership and determination developed through military service are also qualities that make veterans exceptionally valuable to today’s workforce. When those strengths are combined with specialized training and strong community partnerships, the possibilities can be transformative.

On Oct. 14, a group of 15 veterans celebrated an important milestone at Barstow Community College, graduating from the second cohort of the Veterans Electrical Entry Program (VEEP), a workforce training initiative supported by the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Department.

The graduation represented more than completing a training program. It marked the beginning of promising new career pathways and demonstrated how collaboration among education, industry, labor, military installations and workforce development organizations can create lasting opportunities for those who have served our nation.

VEEP is an intensive, five-week, 200-hour pre-apprenticeship program designed to prepare veterans for careers in the electrical industry. Through classroom instruction and hands-on training, participants develop foundational knowledge in electrical safety, tools and technical concepts, preparing them to pursue union apprenticeships and long-term careers in a skilled trade.

The program is made possible through a collaborative partnership involving Workforce Development and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), a grant by Inland Regional Energy Network, Barstow Community College, the Inland Empire Electrical Training Center, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Locals 477 and 440, and support from military installations, including Fort Irwin and Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow. VEEP is a nationwide initiative established by IBEW and the National Electrical Contractors Association through their joint training partnership, the electrical training ALLIANCE.

Workforce Development plays an integral role in the program’s success, providing funding, participant recruitment and coordination, along with training materials, resources and supportive services for participating veterans. These contributions help remove barriers to participation, allowing veterans to focus on developing the skills and confidence needed to pursue their next career opportunity.

Together, these partners have created more than a training program. They have established a coordinated pathway connecting veterans with education, industry expertise, workforce resources and opportunities for long-term employment.

A person behind a pulpit speaking to an audience. Screen behind speaker states, "Veterans Electrical Entry Program." — *Greg McMurphy of the electrical training ALLIANCE speaks at the VEEP graduation in Barstow, celebrating a partnership connecting veterans with meaningful careers.*

Greg McMurphy, a longtime steward of the national VEEP initiative, traveled from Washington to represent the electrical training ALLIANCE at the graduation and praised the collaboration taking place in Barstow.

“The partnership established here in Barstow is an outstanding model of collaboration, one that has the potential to be replicated across the country,” McMurphy said. He described the initiative as a promising, sustainable model for connecting veterans with meaningful careers and hoped similar partnerships could be replicated nationwide.

The ceremony also featured keynote speaker Robert Munoz, a graduate of VEEP’s inaugural cohort and a previous Workforce Development success story participant. Drawing on his experience, Munoz encouraged the graduates to embrace the uncertainty of starting a new career, trust their training, learn from mistakes and build a supportive community as they move forward. His participation offered a meaningful reminder of the program’s continuing impact, as former participants return to encourage and inspire the next generation of skilled workers.

“Workforce development is about more than connecting people with jobs. It’s about building partnerships that create pathways to lasting careers,” said Shannon Shannon, chair of the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board. “By bringing together education, industry, labor and military partners — and providing the resources and support veterans need to succeed — we are helping those who served our country build promising futures while strengthening our region’s workforce.”

San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe emphasized the importance of investing in veterans and collaborative workforce solutions.

“Our veterans have given so much in service to our country, and we have a responsibility to help ensure they have opportunities to succeed when they return to civilian life,” Rowe said. “Programs like VEEP demonstrate the tremendous impact of partnerships that connect education and hands-on training with real career opportunities. When we invest in our veterans, we’re also investing in stronger families, thriving communities, and the economic future of San Bernardino County.”

Programs like these are made possible through WIOA. Workforce Development continues to deliver career services and customized support that equip residents with the tools they need to thrive.

To connect with workforce resources, please visit our website, call 800-451-JOBS (5627) or follow us on social media at @SBCWorkforce.

Employers and job seekers interested in WDB programs may call 800-451-JOBS (5627), visit our website, follow us @SBCWorkforce, and visit our WDB YouTube page.