Video and audio public service announcements on new educational program to help unemployed veterans available from US Department of Labor

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has made available public service announcements, in video and audio formats featuring Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis, urging unemployed veterans to apply for benefits through the Veteran Retraining Assistance Program. Both announcements are 46 seconds.

The new program targets unemployed veterans between the ages of 35 and 60, and will cover education costs related to training in high-demand jobs. Qualifying veterans can receive up to 12 months of assistance equal to the full-time Montgomery GI Bill active duty rate, currently $1,473 per month. Veterans can apply on a first-come, first-served basis for training programs that begin on or after July 1, 2012. Assistance available through this program will end on March 31, 2014.

WHO: Unemployed veterans seeking preparation for high-demand civilian jobs

WHAT: Video (MP4 format) and radio (MP3 format) public service announcements encouraging applications for benefits through the Veteran Retraining Assistance Program

HOW: Access the PSAs at http://www.dol.gov/dol/media/webcast/20120620-solis-vets-psa/index.htm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Veteran Retraining Assistance Program, visithttp://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/vets/VETS20121008.htm.