Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory Secures Funding for Veteran Job Retention Program
The Batavia-based Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory has announced a significant financial boost from the United States Department of Energy. This funding is aimed at supporting the retention of U.S. military veterans in the workforce.
According to a press release from Fermilab dated December 17, the laboratory will receive $8 million from the Department of Energy’s Office of High Energy Physics for the period spanning 2026 to 2030. This marks a substantial increase from the $2.35 million awarded for the fiscal years 2022 to 2025.
The allocated funds will directly benefit Fermilab’s Veteran Applied Laboratory Occupational Retraining (VALOR) program.
This initiative is designed to provide veterans with essential training and career opportunities as they transition into civilian employment, offering both hands-on instruction and secure technical career placements within the laboratory.
“The advanced training and education veterans acquire during their service, paired with their commitment to collaboration, greatly facilitate their transition into technical roles at national laboratories,” stated Gina Rameika, Associate Director of Science for High Energy Physics at the Department of Energy, in the release.
Launched in 2022, the VALOR program builds upon Fermilab’s VetTech internship initiative, which commenced in 2016.
The program’s objectives include leveraging veterans’ sophisticated technical skills and leadership capabilities while addressing critical workforce challenges.
The program encompasses four distinct offerings, as detailed on Fermilab’s website. These include:
- An internship tailored for Illinois high school students and recent graduates involved in the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC).
- An apprenticeship program targeting ROTC physics undergraduate students.
- A 10-week training initiative for military veterans aspiring to develop their technical and computing career pathways.
- A six-month apprenticeship specifically for veterans at the commencement of their civilian careers.
Participants can specialize in various fields, including but not limited to fabricating, assembling, testing, and repairing electronic or mechanical equipment, systems, devices, and databases. Additional roles in information technology, procurement, and environmental safety are also available.
In 2022, Fermilab proactively engaged with local high school ROTC cadets to enhance awareness of their educational and career opportunities within the laboratory.
Anthony Ramirez, a mechanical technician within the Accelerator Target Systems Division at Fermilab, shared his positive experience with the VALOR program: “It has enabled me to grow both professionally and personally.”
“Coming from an NJROTC background at East Aurora High School, I value structure, discipline, and teamwork,” Ramirez added.
“These attributes harmonized perfectly with Fermilab’s collaborative atmosphere, providing me with hands-on technical experience, mentorship, and a defined pathway towards a future in STEM.”
Currently, Ramirez is pursuing a mechanical engineering degree at Waubonsee Community College, reflecting the program’s success in fostering educational ambitions.
Sandra Charles, the Director of Workforce Pathways and Partnerships at Fermilab, emphasized the lab’s track record of hiring participants from the VALOR program as full-time employees.
“From 2022 to 2025, we welcomed 22 VALOR participants into permanent roles,” Charles remarked. “We are immensely grateful to the Department of Energy for its unwavering support and eagerly anticipate the continued success of the VALOR initiative in the years ahead.”
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