Military personnel and veterans in Butler County can soon start learning software coding for free through a new-to-the-region training program.

A national veterans training program known as Onward to Opportunity expanded to the Pittsburgh region last month. The program, which runs out of military sites across the country, connects veterans with free online certification classes.

Pittsburgh is the latest place to get the program, according to Dwight Boddorf, the program manager in Pittsburgh, who noted that it is unique because it’s “the only one not on a major military installation.”

Veterans, active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members are all able to enroll.

Onward to Opportunity is also free for members’ spouses, making it distinct from other programs, Boddorf said.

The program consists of three in-person training days and then a self-guided online course pursued at the participant’s leisure.

Participants can pursue their choice of 38 certification programs covering topics such as information technology, human resources and project management.

Aside from finding employment, Boddorf said the certifications are often used by participants to score raises and promotions at their jobs.

The first training is scheduled for Jan. 9. The in-person training will only be held in Pittsburgh, but Boddorf said the program might add training locations in adjacent counties for future sessions.

People in counties served by VA Butler Healthcare and VA Pittsburgh Healthcare are eligible.

An online-only version of the program is available for people with special circumstances that can’t attend the in-person days.

Those intending to sign up can do so online at https://onward2opportunity-vctp.org/career-training/

The Jan. 9 session requires registration by Jan. 3. About 30 people are signed up so far, Boddorf said, and classes typically wind up drawing between 60 and 70 people at other places that host Onward to Opportunity.

Some of those registered already are older than 50 years. There is no age requirement.