By Steve Brooks
Men and women leaving the military have the skills and training necessary to succeed in a variety of professions. Planning to find those jobs prior to leaving the military is the key to successfully transitioning to civilian life.
That was one of the messages delivered to The American Legion’s National Economic Commission by U.S. Department of Labor Assistant Secretary Charles Ciccolella, who oversees Veterans’ Employment and Training. Ciccolella briefed the commission on Aug. 25 during the organization’s National Convention in Reno.
“You work up until the day you leave the military, and then you begin looking for another job,” Ciccolella said. “Our mission is to help them build a plan for finding that new job. Many leave the military without a plan. Many of them are younger veterans who will take longer to find a job because it’s the first time they’re entering the workforce. Veterans are a full percentage point lower than non-veterans when it comes to unemployment numbers. Veterans do well in the workforce once they get in the workforce.”
Ciccolella said through the DoL’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP), veterans are more likely to find jobs at a quicker pace than those who don’t advantage of the program. DoL conducts TAP Employment Workshops at military installations throughout the country. Workshop attendees learn about job searches, career decision-making, current occupational and labor market conditions, and resume and cover letter preparation and interviewing techniques. Participants also are provided with an evaluation of their employability relative to the job market and receive information on the most current veterans’ benefits.
“Sixty-five to 70 percent of transitioning servicemembers participate in the workshops,” he said. “Our goal is 85 percent. Our surveys have shown that TAP participants find employment three times sooner than non-TAP participants.
Ciccolella said his office also talks to employers about the benefits of hiring veterans. “We reach out to employers to help them develop a strategy for hiring veterans, sometimes by using veterans already in their own organizations,” he said. “We also educate employers why it is in their best interest to hire veterans. So many veterans have the experience they’re looking for.”
DoL’s ReaLifelines, established in 2004, is DoL program that works with agencies at the federal, state and local levels to provide job assistance for wounded servicemembers exiting the military. The program helps wounded servicemembers find a new job, return to their pre-service employer, understand their rights and workplace laws, learn about federal employment and find assistance for their families.
Ciccolella praised The American Legion’s role in transition assistance and said the organization can continue to help by:
· Getting to know VETS state directors;
· Making frequent contact DoL’s Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program coordinators and Local Veterans’ Employment Representative;
· Supporting the Legion’s Heroes to Hometowns program;
· Making the Legion’s Family Support Network continue to succeed; and
· Referring homeless veterans to DVOPs and Homeless Veterans Reintegration Programs.
He also praised the Legion for working in tandem with his office to promote veterans job fairs. One such fair, sponsored by RecruitMilitary and The American Legion, is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 28 in the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.
