U.S. Department of Energy Allocates $8 Million to Fermilab’s Veteran Program

The U.S. Department of Energy has announced that it will provide the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory with $8 million to support its job retention program aimed at U.S. military veterans. This funding, designated for the period from 2026 to 2030, marks a substantial increase from the $2.35 million awarded for the earlier fiscal years of 2022 to 2025, according to a recent news release issued by Fermilab.

The funding will bolster the lab’s Veteran Applied Laboratory Occupational Retraining, or VALOR, program, which offers training and career opportunities for veterans transitioning to civilian employment. The program focuses on providing both hands-on training and full-time technical placement within the lab, enhancing veterans’ career prospects in technical fields.

Gina Rameika, the Associate Director of Science for High Energy Physics at the Department of Energy, emphasized the value veterans bring to technical positions. “The cutting-edge training and education veterans receive during their service, along with their commitment to teamwork, is a great transition to technical positions at the national labs,” Rameika stated.

Launched in 2022, the VALOR program builds on Fermilab’s existing VetTech internship initiative, which began in 2016. The program aims to leverage veterans’ advanced technical skills and leadership qualities to address critical workforce challenges in scientific fields. It comprises several components designed to support veterans at different stages of their careers.

Components of the VALOR Program

The VALOR program includes multiple pathways for veterans. One aspect offers internships specifically for Illinois high school students and recent graduates participating in the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC). Another component features an apprenticeship program tailored for ROTC physics undergraduate students. Additionally, the program presents a ten-week training and career development opportunity for veterans seeking to enhance their technical and computing skills. Lastly, a six-month apprenticeship is available for veterans at the outset of their civilian careers.

Participants in the program can specialize in various fields, including fabricating, assembling, testing, and repairing electronic or mechanical equipment, as well as working in information technology, procurement, or environmental safety and health.

In its effort to promote these opportunities, Fermilab has reached out to local high school ROTC cadets since 2022, highlighting the educational and career possibilities available at the laboratory.

Anthony Ramirez, who currently serves as a mechanical technician at Fermilab’s Accelerator Target Systems Division, shared his experience with the VALOR program. He noted how it has contributed to both his professional and personal growth. “Coming from an NJROTC background at East Aurora High School, I value structure, discipline, and teamwork,” Ramirez remarked. “These qualities aligned well with Fermilab’s collaborative environment. I gained hands-on technical experience, mentorship, and a clear direction for my future in STEM.”

Ramirez is now attending Waubonsee Community College with aspirations of becoming a mechanical engineer.

Sandra Charles, Fermilab’s Director of Workforce Pathways and Partnerships, highlighted the lab’s success in retaining program participants as full-time employees. “From 2022 to 2025, we hired 22 participants of the VALOR program,” Charles stated. “We are grateful to DOE for their continued support of this important program and look forward to expanding the success of VALOR in the coming years.”

Individuals interested in learning more about the VALOR program can visit the Fermilab website for additional details and application information. The program is designed not only to assist veterans in their transition to civilian life but also to fortify the workforce in the scientific community.