Veterans' Employment Services in Michigan: March 2021 Newsletter

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Veterans' Employment Services graphic, Priority of Service for Military Veterans, logos of U.S. military branches

March 2021

Veterans' Employment Services Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE:


Message from Veterans’ Employment Services

VES logo

Welcome to the Veterans’ Employment Services (VES) Newsletter. Our mission is to assist you and your family secure meaningful careers in Michigan.

The concept of veterans helping veterans is a trademark of the VES team and one of the keys to its success. Veterans face many challenges when transitioning out of the military – finding meaningful employment should not be one of them.

  • Veterans in need of employment assistance should contact the nearest Michigan Works! One-Stop Service Center by calling 800-285-WORKS (9675) or visiting MichiganWorks.org.
  • More information about Veterans’ Employment Services is available at Michigan.gov/VES.
  • Register today and start your job search at Pure Michigan Talent Connect at MiTalent.org.

Three Questions for Jennifer Georgievski, Veterans Career Advisor

Jennifer Georgievski photo

1. How has your military experience helped you in your position as a VCA?

My military experience helped me as a VCA in several ways. As a veteran, having shared experiences and the ability to create bonds with other service members allows me to connect with my clients in a way that would not be possible without having served in the military.

2. What should veterans expect when they meet with a VCA?

When meeting a VCA, veterans should expect someone warm and welcoming, down to earth, free spirited and nonjudgmental. The experience is casual but addresses what can often be difficult or painful to work towards eliminating barriers a veteran may be experiencing, ultimately leading toward their employment goals. 

3. What resource do you recommend for veterans seeking employment? 

There are many resources I recommend to veterans seeking employment. Besides resume review assistance, I feel legitimate job platforms are very important. Some job sites are geared towards certain types of jobs or industries. It is important to know where to look and apply for jobs so a veteran can be successful in their employment goals. 

Jennifer is available to provide Veterans’ Employment Services through the Michigan Works! Service Centers in Warren, Clinton Township and Roseville, MI.


Veterans Priority of Service

Priority of Service graphic image

Michigan Works! Services Centers ensure Priority of Service to veterans and their eligible spouses for all job training programs funded by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Priority of Service means the right of veterans and eligible spouses to take precedence in obtaining all employment and training services. Depending on the type of service, this may mean veterans and eligible spouses receive services earlier in time or instead of non-covered persons. Job seeker services offered include:

  • Job Search
  • Job Training
  • Employment Workshops

To access Veteran’s Priority of Service, simply identify as a veteran or eligible spouse when contacting any Michigan Works! Service Center, and when registering for employment on Pure Michigan Talent Connect.

For more information on Veterans Priority of Service, contact your local Michigan Works! Service Center.


Veterans Helping Veterans banner

A Veterans’ Employment Services Success Story: Thanks to collaboration and hard work, the future’s bright for medically-retired veteran

Tiffany Ann Smith photo

Tiffany Ann Smith relocated back to the Upper Peninsula in 2016 after being medically retired from the United States Marine Corps. Tiffany enrolled in the VA Rehabilitation and Education program where she earned three degrees, including a Master’s degree in Human, Family and Community Services.

Upon graduation, Tiffany was referred for case management by VA rehab counselor Sarah Gagnon and ISC Randy Leffel.  Her Significant Barriers to Employment were her disability and strong desire to remain in the Upper Peninsula.

Local Veteran Employment Representative Kendal Kettle and Veteran Career Advisor Aaron Lindholm worked with Tiffany to complete a virtual intake, comprehensive assessment, and Individualized Education Program.

Tiffany was well qualified for a few different jobs that happened to be available with the State of Michigan. Aaron and Kendal assisted Tiffany with finding and submitting her applications for these jobs. Shortly thereafter, Tiffany interviewed for the Youth Specialist position with the state and was formally offered the position.

Tiffany’s situation – combining educational and VA Rehabilitation & Education support – illustrate the importance of effective collaboration between the Department of Veterans Affairs and Veterans Employment Services in helping aid veterans. In Tiffany’s case, it enabled a medically-retired veteran with Significant Barriers to Employment to obtain education and employment after departing military service.

Tiffany worked hard to forge her future. And with the support of organizations such as Veterans’ Employment Services, her future has never been brighter.


Financial Lunch & Learn Sessions

Military OneSource logo

Military OneSource hosts a Tuesday Lunch & Learn virtual series which covers a variety of financial-related topics. Personal Financial Counselor Bill Ether presents the main topic while April Clipper, Michigan Military OneSource State Consultant, presents resources related to the shared topic.

The March 30 event topic is entitled “Invest with Lower Risk”.

To learn more about the weekly Lunch & Learn sessions, please visit their Zoom registration page


Get Involved

Veteran Community Action Teams logo

Looking for opportunities to get involved in your community? Veteran Community Action Teams (VCAT) operate in different capacities around the state as hubs for resources and information. VCAT membership is comprised of federal, state, local and faith-based organizations that support veterans in the communities where they live and work.

VCATs focus on identifying solutions for gaps in veteran services, reducing duplication of efforts and simplifying connections with local resources. This community-based system of care allows networks of service providers to employ best practices, share information and tools and connect more quickly with veterans.

To find out about upcoming VCAT meetings and events in your region, visit the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency’s VCAT calendar.


Virtual Job Fair Calendar banner

Check out these upcoming Job Fairs

Hired In Michigan Career Expo

Date: 3/29/2021 Start: 09:00 AM End: 07:00 PM

Event Virtual Link: Join the Virtual Event at http://jobfairgiant.com/

Website: Visit the JobFairGiant.com Website

The Hired In Michigan Career Expo is open to statewide, local, and national companies ready to interview candidates, accept resumes/applications and hire new employees. Recruiters plan to participate seeking experienced candidates, including military veterans and professionals. 

 

Express Ann Arbor Virtual Job Fair

Date: 3/31/2021 Start: 09:00 AM End: 03:00 PM

Event Virtual Link: Join the Virtual Event at https://share.hsforms.com/1l-H3x7aiSZyKeXMdC-N-5A8nub6

Website: Visit the Express Employment Professionals Ann Arbor Website

Express Ann Arbor is hosting a FREE Virtual Job Fair on Wednesday, March 31st, from 9am - 3pm. We have openings on all shifts within the Industrial, Skilled Trades, Office Services, and Professional fields.

 

Kroger Hiring Event (in-person event)

Date: 4/3/2021 Start: 11:00 AM End: 4:00 PM

Event Format:  In-person Location: Kroger Plymouth, 15455 N Haggerty Rd.

No appointment necessary. Kroger is looking for motivated, energetic individuals to join our family. Simply apply to Kroger at: jobs.kroger.com. Kroger offers many discounts, benefits and perks.

 

Washtenaw Community College Spring Career Fair

Date: 4/9/2021 Start: 09:00 AM End: 12:00 PM

Event Virtual Link: Join the Virtual Event at https://www.wccnet.edu/succeed/prepare-find-job/career-fair.php

Website: Visit the Washtenaw Community College Career Transitions Website

The Washtenaw Community College Career Transitions department’s annual WCC Spring Career Fair will take place virtually on Friday, April 9, and is expected to include representatives from an estimated 30 employers, many looking to immediately fill current job opportunities.

 

To see the latest job and career events throughout the State of Michigan, please visit the Pure Michigan Talent Connect Career Events Calendar.


MORE VETERANS' RESOURCES

If you are a veteran looking for information concerning education, health care, benefits or quality of life programs, please visit the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency for more information, or call the Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center at 800-MICH-VET. 


LEO and Workforce Development co-brand logo

Veterans' Employment Services is part of Workforce Development, within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's Office of Employment and Training. Michigan.gov/VES