Today’s job market is changing fast, and technology is driving nearly every opportunity for advancement. For veterans, this environment presents both a challenge and an opening. Reinvention has long been part of military life, making them uniquely prepared for careers in IT, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
NPower Students on Their Path2Tech
One veteran who took full advantage of these opportunities is Juan G. Cruz Jr. Juan felt anxious about transitioning out of the military after eight years in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Ordnanceman. He knew he wanted a future in technology but had no idea where to start.
At a career fair, Juan discovered NPower and immediately enrolled in its SkillBridge cybersecurity program available to transitioning military members. Throughout the cohort, his tenacity and enthusiasm for tech set him apart. Upon graduation, he not only earned industry-recognized cybersecurity credentials but also secured a coveted role as a Linux Systems Administrator II at Raytheon. He has continued to advance his cyber career and now serves as an Information Systems Security Engineer at LP3.
“At NPower SkillBridge, I developed proficiency in threat detection and prevention, information security analysis, and various security tools and frameworks,” Juan said. “I’m now passionate about leveraging those skill sets to drive success in my current role and beyond.”
Juan’s experience reflects a broader shift. With GI Bill–eligible certifications, veteran-focused education pathways, and free tech training programs now widely available, veterans and transitioning military members have more resources than ever to launch high-growth tech careers after the military.
Here’s a look at the pathways that allow veterans and transitioning service members like Juan to build tech careers at little to no cost.
GI Bill Eligible Certifications:
Veterans can use their GI Bill benefits for far more than traditional college degrees. They can also apply them toward approved technology training programs and certification exams. This means the GI Bill can cover tuition at universities, community colleges, and VA-approved training centers, as well as reimburse the cost of many industry-recognized IT and cybersecurity certification exams.
For those pursuing tech careers, popular GI Bill–approved certifications include the CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+, widely used for launching IT and help desk roles. Veterans aiming for cybersecurity can apply their benefits toward certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or CISSP, while those interested in cloud computing often pursue AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud credentials.
Networking-focused learners frequently use their GI Bill to cover exams for Cisco’s CCNA or CCNP, long-standing standards in the field. By using their GI Bill for these certifications, veterans can build employer-recognized skills at little or no personal cost, making it one of the most flexible and affordable ways to enter high-growth tech careers.
Veteran-Focused Education Pathways:
Veterans today have more tailored education options than ever to support their transition into tech careers. Beyond traditional degree programs, they can access veteran-focused pathways such as SkillBridge, which provides hands-on training during the last six months of service; VA-approved certificate and bootcamp programs designed specifically for IT and cybersecurity; and employer-sponsored apprenticeships. These pathways not only recognize the unique strengths veterans bring to the workforce but also remove financial and logistical barriers, making it easier to gain industry-ready skills and step confidently into high-growth tech roles. The SkillBridge program remains one of the most widely used transition options, allowing service members to spend their final 180 days in full-time training with organizations such as Amazon, Deloitte, and Accenture.
Veterans can also enroll in VA-approved bootcamps like Fullstack Academy, Code Fellows, General Assembly, and Level Effect for intensive training in cybersecurity, cloud, and software development. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeships that are offered by companies like IBM, Lockheed Martin, and Microsoft provide paid, on-the-job training while veterans earn recognized credentials. Universities such as Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) and the University of Texas’s VETTED Tech Initiative offer certificate programs specifically designed for transitioning service members. These paths offer multiple entry points tailored to different learning styles, career goals, and stages of transition.
Free Tech Training Programs:
Beyond GI Bill–eligible certifications and veteran-focused education pathways, free tech training programs have become a vital resource for service members preparing for civilian life. NPower, a national nonprofit, is at the forefront of this effort, expanding access to technology careers for veterans, military spouses, transitioning military members, and young adults from low-income communities.
NPower’s free Tech Fundamentals program equips learners with the foundational IT skills needed to begin their tech careers, including the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications, such as CompTIA A+ & Tech+, a Google IT Support Certificate, and an IT Generalist Apprenticeship credential. In addition, students in all NPower programs get access to professional development, mentorship, and robust job placement support to ensure veterans are well prepared for long-term success.
The NPower SkillBridge Cybersecurity program is available to transitioning military members looking to build proficiency in network defense, security operations, threat detection, and incident response. Students earn credentials such as CompTIA Security+, Linux+, and Splunk Level 1, along with the professional development needed to thrive in civilian careers. The program is also offered to veterans as an advanced course after completing the Tech Fundamentals program.
For those interested in cloud careers, NPower offers an advanced Cloud Computing program that delivers hands-on training in cloud architecture, identity management, and the essential skills needed to build and maintain secure, scalable environments. The curriculum covers key areas such as managing and administering cloud services and infrastructure, architecting the cloud with security, business continuity, disaster recovery, and scaling solutions. Learners prepare for industry-recognized certifications like AWS Cloud Practitioner and AWS Solutions Architect – Associate, and gain both practical experience and credentialed expertise.
For veterans and military-connected individuals, NPower’s model removes financial barriers while delivering industry-recognized certifications, hands-on labs, and real-world career preparation. These programs not only expand access to in-demand skills but also create a direct bridge to meaningful employment in the tech sector.
A Pathway to New Careers:
Juan’s story is just one example of how these pathways come together to create real career outcomes. And he is not alone. Choice Jackson’s journey shows just how life-changing these opportunities can be. Choice served in the U.S. Air Force and had worked in healthcare for many years before considering a career transition into tech. She joined the NPower Tech Fundamentals program in Texas and quickly realized it was far more than just another veteran training program.
“When I first learned about NPower, I thought, free education and certifications,” said Choice. “Why not put more things under my belt? But I started to realize how valuable it was when we were introduced to internships and apprenticeships with companies that were competing for us, not the other way around. That was the turning point for me.”
With NPower’s preparation and support, she secured a six-month apprenticeship with Citi in the Archive Engineering department. It was a pivotal opportunity that helped her advance two pay grades, earn five industry certifications, and receive global recognition for her leadership in Agile adoption. Today, Choice is a proud homeowner, thriving in her career at Citi, and a Certified Veteran Small Business Owner. She credits NPower with giving her the stability she once thought out of reach and a renewed sense of purpose in her professional life.
Expanding Opportunity for Those Who Served:
The stories of Juan and Choice highlight what is possible when veterans are given access to high-quality, affordable, and even no-cost pathways into technology. Today’s combination of GI Bill–eligible certifications, veteran-focused training options, and no-cost programs like NPower is removing barriers and unlocking opportunities that once felt out of reach. As more service members transition into civilian life, these resources will continue to play a critical role in preparing them for stable, in-demand careers.
For veterans seeking their next mission, the path to a successful tech career has never been clearer or more attainable. To learn more about how to partner with NPower, contact our team today.
