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A new initiative to help veterans find employment was announced recently by the Obama administration. The plan will involve an existing job training program called the Solar Instructor Training Network, which educates people on how to install energy-efficient solar panels, according to WhiteHouse.gov. 

The program 
This training program will be introduced to 30 active soldiers this fall. It will then be expanded to train veterans. WhiteHouse.gov reported that the goal of the program is to prepare servicemembers for careers in the growing solar industry, helping reduce veteran unemployment rates while helping the environment. 

The program will teach participants how to size solar panels, install them, link electricity to the grid and even understand local building codes. WhiteHouse.gov noted that major solar industry organizations, such as SunPower, SolarCity and Vivint Solar, have already pledged to offer interview opportunities to servicemembers who successfully complete the course.

Veteran unemployment
This initiative comes at a necessary time – post 9/11 veteran unemployment percentages currently exceed the national average. Roughly 7 percent of these former servicemembers are without work, versus 6.1 percent of people nationally, according to Army Times. While numbers have been declining recently, veterans still often face trouble finding a job in their life after service.