A combat medic, who saves lives on the battlefield, comes home and can't get hired as a paramedic.
A chaplain’s assistant helps troops deal with the horrors of war overseas, but in America, isn't qualified to become a mental health counselor.
They are just a few of the road blocks faced by veterans over the years when their military training has not been accepted in the civilian job market.
One of the biggest offenders--the United States Government.
It's been hard for troops to transfer their military specialties into federal licenses and certifications, but not anymore. President Obama signed into law the Veterans' Skills Into Jobs Act.
“Veterans have fought for us, and there is nothing better we can do than help them get employment,” said Lisa Wornom-Zahralddin, who works with transitioning veterans every day at Peninsula Worklink as their One-Stop Program Manager.
“I think it’s brilliant, absolutely brilliant. You’re seeing work skills and work experience transfer right into a credential without coursework,” said Wornom-Zahralddin. “I think it will cut down on the stress and expedite the employment process.”
The law will also put veterans at the top of the pack at big events like the “Hiring for Heroes” job fair coming up this Thursday.
Related:
Pre-Register for Hiring Our Heroes Job Fair
With the necessary federal government certifications and licenses, they will be able to compete at the same level as those with bachelor's degrees for better, higher paying jobs--all part of the mission to make sure every veteran coming home from war is taken care of.
“Everyone is engaged, and now you are seeing the movement followed by the laws.”
The “Hiring our Heroes” Job Fair is Thursday, August 2nd at the Hampton Convention Center from 9 am-2 pm.
Over 150 employers will be there, including federal government agencies, private companies, and military contractors, including those that hire disabled veterans.
Computers will be provided by the Virginia Employment Commission so veterans can upload their resumes online immediately and have on the spot interviews with employers.
To register, go to this website.
Workshops will also be held throughout the day. The schedule is below.
8:00 am – “How to work a Job Fair”, Judy Acord, Contractor Installation Manager Army Career Alumni Program, Ft Eustis
9:00 am-“Transferring your military skills to civilian skills resume workshop”, Methella Green, Fleet & Family TAMP Specialist.
10:00 am- “USA Jobs” Federal workshop, Langley Air Force Base Airman & Family Readiness Center, Cindi Moyer
11:00 am- Career Transition O/Reserves brief Recruiter
12:00 noon- Department of Labor Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs workshop, DOL OFCCP
1:00 - Interview skills workshop, Travis Grim Virginia Employment Commission
