For Active Military, Veterans & Families

IYRS is proud of its history of educating Veterans as they transition from the military to civilian careers. As a Veteran, IYRS will help you to transform the skills you developed in the military—an ability to work with your hands, to work in teams, to problem solve, and to adapt—into a career as a highly trained craftsperson and technician.

The skills you learn at IYRS will help provide a foundation for a successful career across diverse industries including the marine trades, aerospace, wind energy, medical devices, and many others.

Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)

This program, formerly called Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment, assists Veterans with job training, resume writing, and job skills coaching. As a Veteran, you'll have access to personalized coaching and support as you use your skills and experience toward a career change. These resources are available to you while you attend IYRS, giving you added support in the job search and application process.

In addition to the career training and support offered by IYRS Career Services department, you can use these services to position yourself for career success in your new industry.

GI Bill® Benefits

The GI Bill exists to help to active service members and Veterans with the cost of education or vocational training. Several different bill specifications exist, and they apply towards college degree programs, technical training, apprenticeships, certification reimbursement and others. You may be eligible to tap into your GI Bill benefits and use this assistance toward your tuition or other expenses associated with IYRS, such as textbooks and school supplies.

For the 2023-2024 academic year, the Post 9/11 GI Bill will allow up to $27,120.05 for students training at non-degree granting institutions.  In order to support any gap in benefits and cost of tuition and fees, Veterans can apply for an IYRS Veteran's Scholarship. This scholarship may cover amount not covered by the VA, up to $3,000.

Please complete this form to apply for the IYRS Veteran Scholarship.  

Veterans Benefits

Veterans Benefits offer specific assistance to help former service members as they adjust to civilian life and careers. You can access education benefits in addition to pension benefits, disability compensation, home loan benefits, life insurance benefits, and others.

To make the most of VA education benefits, apply online through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website. You can also visit your closest VA regional office or submit your application by mail.

If you need some extra assistance as you apply for Veterans Benefits, please reach out to Student Services at IYRS. We're here to help and want to make the process as smooth and simple as possible. Contact us with any questions and learn more and click here to know how to apply for Veterans Benefits.

SkillBridge

Interested in learning Marine Systems? As an authorized SkillBridge organization with approval for our Marine Systems program, IYRS will train you for your civilian career during your last 180 days of service so you can be ready to launch your new maritime career immediately.

The DOD SkillBridge program allows Service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service. SkillBridge connects Service members with industry partners like IYRS to bridge the gap between the end of service and the beginning of their civilian careers. 

For Service members, our SkillBridge-approved, 6-month Marine Systems program will teach you the theory and technologies of both stand-alone and fully-integrated boat systems and the inner workings of a powerboat down to the most meticulous details. By the time you graduate, you’ll be able to install, repair, and troubleshoot everything from diesel and outboard engines to electrical systems to plumbing, computer-based electronics, and hydraulics. You will have the opportunity to sit for valuable marine industry professional certifications from ABYC, NMEA, and Yamaha.

Service members participating in SkillBridge receive military compensation and benefits and may use GI Bill benefits toward tuition.