Unlocking Resources for Veteran and Spouse Employment

Leaving the structured and disciplined world of active-duty service to embrace the civilian landscape is a monumental journey, and there will undoubtedly be both triumphs and challenges. For service members and spouses embarking on this transition, finding value, securing proper employment for diverse skills, and tapping into education and employment resources that build networks and community become pivotal aspects of their civilian evolution.

Today, we are going to focus on employment and talk about a few resources to get you started. Through collaborative efforts between the government, non-profit organizations, and corporations, there exists a wide range of programs designed to empower veterans, spouses, and families for seamless and successful transitions. We believe that accessibility and effective utilization of these free resources are crucial factors leading to transitional success.

We also acknowledge the unique challenges faced by military spouses, who often grapple with the highest rates of unemployment and underemployment of any demographic, and the resources shared are inclusive to military/Veteran spouse employment as well.

**1. Family-Centric Transition Support:

One often overlooked but critical factor in a successful transition is the involvement of spouses. The support system provided by a spouse significantly contributes to a smoother transition for the Veteran family unit, just as it contributed to mission readiness during service. Data proves initiatives by the transitioning Veteran that include spouses on the process out of service and into the civilian workforce positively impact the overall well-being and job satisfaction of Veterans eventually. Companies that also recognize this dynamic are more likely to foster an environment conducive to Veteran success.

To make it simple—take your spouse to TAPS!

**2. Department of Labor Initiatives:

a. Did you know there are 2,300 American Job Centers supported by the Department of Labor that can be a crucial resource to Veterans? Well, we didn’t. These centers, spread across the country, provide a range of services from job search assistance to skills training. Check on the link above to find one of these Centers near you.

b. Veteran Apprenticeship Pilots: Championed by the Department of Labor, these programs provide veterans with apprenticeship opportunities, facilitating hands-on training and smoother transitions into civilian careers. The Department of Labor also hosts National Veterans’ Technical Assistance Centers.

c. Transition Assistance Program (TAP): Administered by the Department of Labor, TAP equips veterans with essential tools for successful reintegration into civilian life, covering everything from resume building to interview preparation.

**3. U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation: Hiring Our Heroes:

a.       Veteran Employer Roadmap: This initiative offers a strategic guide for employers looking to create a veteran-friendly workplace, fostering an environment that understands, values, and supports the unique needs of veterans.

b.       Hiring Our Heroes Fellowship: The fellowship program is a tailored experience, offering transitioning service members a chance to gain hands-on experience in a civilian workplace through a 12-week fellowship. This immersive program exposes veterans to various industries, helping them translate their military skills into valuable assets in the civilian job market.

**4. State-Level Support:

I have highlighted two examples of State-Level Support near us! However, a quick search within the Department of Labor Veterans Employment and Training Services, I quickly discovered that every state has a resource office specifically for Veterans.

a. Virginia Employment Commission - Veteran Employment: At the state level, agencies like the Virginia Employment Commission provide targeted support for veteran employment, connecting them with opportunities that align with their skills and experiences. They also have state employment opportunities, special initiatives, and local hiring fairs. We encourage our community to participate in hiring fairs as a valuable practice in honing interpersonal skills.

b. Local Chambers of Commerce: Take for example the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce VetNet and Greater Washington Apprentice Network. Community engagement is key, and local Chambers of Commerce play a pivotal role in connecting Veterans with local businesses and resources.

**5. Nonprofit Organizations Advocating for Veterans:

Commit Foundation, Warriors Ethos, The Honor Foundation, 360MVO, Travis Manion Foundation, ACP, FourBlock and Life Skills for Soldiers to name a few. These NGOs champion financial, transitional, and employment readiness for Veterans and spouses. Organizations like MedTechVets recognize the value in building needed skills and leadership in certain industries like the medical industry and provide a targeted approach to their apprenticeship programming.

Many of these organizations listed have been reviewed by Veterans Collaborative and are in our complimentary VETCheck program.

**6. Corporate Mentorship Programs:

a. Skill Bridge/Mentorship/Apprenticeship Programs: Corporations recognize the value Veterans bring to the workforce. Skill Bridge/Mentorship/Apprenticeship Programs like those offered by Volvo, Google's Grow with Google, Microsoft, and hundreds of others, from the defense contracting industries to banking, real estate, and financial hedge funds, provide Veterans with valuable guidance, fostering a smoother transition into the civilian workplace. The positive impact of mentorship on a Veteran's transition is undeniable, leading to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates within the first 5 years of post-service employment.

Wrapping it up

There is no other career/job/life transition that is likely to compare to the one from active-duty service to civilian life. Wherever you are in this process, self-advocacy is crucial. Today, we've merely scratched the surface on resources available, ready and waiting for utilization by Veterans and their spouses. These resources are not only accessible but come at no cost, requiring only a bit of dedicated exploration.

As we wrap up, I’d like to leave you with this important reminder-- don’t give up. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, meaning you may need to tap into several of the avenues mentioned above to prepare for your next step. Our advice is to make the most of every opportunity, utilizing resources, leveraging your network and drawing on the experiences of friends to help construct a better tomorrow. Stay tuned—there's more to come on this critical issue.