I'm a high school junior interested in joining the military, but I'm curious about life after completing service. How do veterans transition into the civilian workforce? Are there specific programs or assistance for job placement post-military service?
Transitioning from military service to the civilian workforce can be a significant change, but there are numerous resources available to help veterans make this transition as smooth as possible, and to ensure they are prepared for their next career.
One key program is the Department of Defense's SkillBridge Program. It connects active duty service members with industry partners in their field of interest for internships, apprenticeships, or other types of job training during the final 180 days of their service. Many of these opportunities lead to full-time job offers, which veterans can accept and start the day after they separate from the military.
The Department of Labor also runs the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) which offers various programs aimed at helping veterans transition to civilian employment. For instance, the Jobs for Veterans State Grants (JVSG) program provides funding to state agencies to employ dedicated staff for assisting veterans in their job search. Additionally, there's the Veterans' Employment Program which maintains relationships with employers looking to hire veterans, assisting in job placement.
Also noteworthy is the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program provided by the Veterans Administration. This assists veterans with service-connected disabilities by providing job training, employment accommodations, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching.
Lastly, many companies actively recruit veterans due to the valuable skills and experiences they bring. Lockheed Martin, Home Depot, and Amazon, just to name a few, have veteran-specific hiring programs. Many of these companies participate in job fairs specifically for military veterans.
It's important for veterans to translate their military skills into civilian terms on resumes and cover letters. There are also numerous online tools available to help with this.
Transitioning from the military to the civilian workforce may seem daunting, but there are many resources available to assist veterans through the process. Remember, every veteran's path is different; finding the best fit in a civilian career is a personal journey, but one that can be made smoother with the right tools and resources.
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