CORRECTION: Veterans' Employment Services in Michigan: July 2022 Newsletter

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

July 2022

We apologize for the inconvenience - the previous email included an incorrect image of LVER Shane Scherer. This has been corrected below. 

Veterans' Employment Services Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE:


About 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.

Gov Whitmer Proclaimed July 25 as Hire a Veteran Day

Hire a Veteran Day video screenshot

Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed July 25 at Hire a Veteran Day in Michigan to honor members of our armed forces and encourage employers across Michigan to consider becoming a Veteran-Friendly Employer through the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) to recruit top veteran talent. 

Our soldiers and airmen serve our state and our nation honorably and deserve to thrive once they return home. The State of Michigan has a wealth of employment and entrepreneurial opportunities to support both veterans and employers looking to hire them through the MVAA and the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's Veterans' Employment Services (VES). 

All too often, service members face significant challenges when returning home and seeking employment. VES provides individualized career services designed to reduce or eliminate barriers into the workforce for eligible veterans and their spouses. See how we can help you at Michigan.gov/VES


Join the Detroit VA for a Virtual Job Fair

Detroit VA virtual hiring fair flyer

Join the Detroit VA Medical Center on Thursday, July 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a virtual hiring fair! 

Many positions will be available, but the focus will be on hiring those in the nursing profession, including:

  • RNs
  • LPNs  
  • Nursing Assistants
  • Medical Support Assistants
  • House Keeping Aids
  • Food Service Workers

Register here to chat with representatives and discuss your qualifications.


New VA Veterans Crisis Line phone number

veterans crisis line

In response to the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act designating the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the Department of Veterans Affairs has made it easier to access the Veterans Crisis Line.

“During a crisis, every second counts,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “This new, shorter number makes it easier for Veterans and those who care about them to reach lifesaving support without having to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care.”

Effective July 16, veterans have the option to dial 9-8-8 then Press 1 to connect with caring, qualified responders for 24/7 crisis support.

While Dial 988 then Press 1 is a new option for contacting the Veterans Crisis Line, the original number: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, remains available. Veterans can also continue to reach out via chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat or by texting 838255.


Access Your GI Bill® Educational Benefits Through the SAA

SAA veterans apprenticeship

The Michigan State Approving Agency (SAA) allows veterans and other eligible dependents to access their GI Bill® benefits while training at an approved facility.

The mission of the SAA is to approve education and training facilities and related programs for veterans and other eligible dependents throughout the State of Michigan. These approvals enable the utilization of GI Bill® educational benefits (Chapters 30, 33, 35, 1606) at Michigan’s educational and training facilities.

What is the SAA’s scope?

Michigan has more than 700 approved educational institutions, apprenticeship training and on-the-job training sites that offer education and training programs to military personnel, veterans and other eligible individuals.

The SAA’s responsibilities are to approve for veterans and other eligible individuals the following:

  • Inspect and evaluate applicable facilities and/or courses of education.
  • Evaluate and approve apprenticeship and on-the-job training facilities and/or training programs.
  • Ensure that license, certification and exam fees offered in the State of Michigan meet approval standards.

SAA also ascertains whether a school/facility complies with the established standards relating to the programs or courses which have been approved. 

Learn more about SAA on their webpage


A Few Questions With...

Shane Scherer

Shane Scherer – Local Veterans Employment Representative, Grand Rapids

How has your military experience helped you in your position as a LVER?

My experience having to multitask under very stressful conditions while deployed has made it much easier to be effective in my position as a LVER. In addition, being a squad leader and having to rely on teamwork while patrolling in Afghanistan has been essential to making me a better team member while working with the VCAs to place veterans in employment opportunities.

What should veterans expect when they meet with a LVER?

Veterans should expect to be treated with kindness and be ready to receive top notch assistance navigating and executing the job development process. This is primarily achieved by working behind the scenes to break down the red tape associated with the hiring process, and by working with employers with whom myself and other LVERs have established relationships with. 

What resource do you recommend for veterans seeking employment? 

The first and easiest thing to do when seeking employment is to ask family members and friends if their companies are hiring – those types of referrals are excellent. The next move would be to seek out their closes Michigan Works! Service Center and really commit to the process they have set up. There are so many services and programs available to help job seekers in general, and it is the easiest way to specifically segue veteran job seekers into working with Veterans’ Employment Services.


Be Job Ready in Six Months With a Google Career Certificate Scholarship

Grow with Google graphic

Scholarships for the new Google Career Certificates are now available, and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Employment and Training is excited to help bring these scholarships to our state.

The Google Career Certificate program can help you get on the fast track to a competitively paid job in a high-growth field. You don’t need relevant experience or a degree to complete this flexible, online job training. Just put the skills, passion, and ambition you already have to work.

  • Explore what the program has to offer at grow.google/certificates. Learn more about how the Google Career Certificates work to put you on the path to in-demand jobs.
  • Learn how you can earn a Google Career Certificate for free by contacting your local Michigan Works! office at MichiganWorks.org.

Designed by Google, this self-paced, online training program can prepare you for careers in the high-growth fields of project management, user experience (UX) design, data analytics, and IT support. And with under 10 hours spent studying a week, you can be prepped for a new career in under six months. Once you graduate from the Google Career Certificate program, you can connect directly with over 150 top U.S. employers to jump-start your job search.

There are over 1.27 million job openings across Certificate fields and the demand is growing. Earn a credential and stand out to employers with a Google Career Certificate.


Veterans Services Liaison Recognized for Exceptional Work

Rick Tuckey and VES team

Rick Tuckey, a Veterans Services Liaison for GST Michigan Works! in Lapeer, was recently presented an award by Veterans’ Employment Services.

Rick was nominated for recognition by VES staff members Rayetta Wyatt, Durand Dean and Fred Pittman for his exceptional commitment and contributions to veterans.  

Rick (center) is pictured receiving his award from Joe Swyrtek (right), VES Regional Manager.

If you are in the Lapeer area, stop by and see how Rick and the other Michigan Works! staff can help you meet your employment goals!


Veterans Helping Veterans banner

Veteran Success: VES Staff Work Together to Help Veteran Find Perfect Job

Aaron Perkola

U.S. Navy Reserve veteran Aaron Perkola originally started working with VES through a referral from Vocational Readiness Counselor Sarah Gagnon and Intensive Services Counselor Randy Leffel. Aaron had recently graduated from Northern Michigan University via the VA Vocational Readiness and Employment Program (VR&E) and was looking for a job. 

Following VES' people-centered approach, Aaron received assistance from Veterans' Career Advisor Aaron Lindholm and Local Veterans' Employment Representative Kendal Kettle to prepare and apply for jobs in local, state and federal government. However, after a series of conversations and strategic planning, Aaron decided to modify his career path and search for employment with nautical companies in and around the Great Lakes region.

Because of his recent educational accomplishments through the VR&E program as well as his former maritime experience, he was instantly offered a good-paying position with a marine transportation company for the 2022 season. 

After a short time, Aaron realized he was not interested in the type of work or schedule required at this position and contacted VES for additional help finding alternative employment. Within a short time, Aaron interviewed for and accepted a full-time position with UP Health Systems as a patient transporter - a job that fits his personality, schedule, and salary requirements.

Aaron’s story is a great example of how even well qualified veterans may need to apply for, interview, and consider multiple opportunities to find the perfect career path. VES not only stood by Aaron’s side assisting him in becoming job ready but also counseled and aided him in ultimately choosing a career path that fit his needs. This team approach ultimately removed barriers, executed a strategic plan, and successfully placed another veteran into their dream career. 


Travel at No Cost on Military Flights!

Veteran at flight desk

Did you know you can travel at no cost on military flights? It all depends on your Space A "category" of travel. The numerical order of space-available categories indicates who gets to board the plane first. Travelers in lower numbered categories move first.

You are placed in one of these six categories based on a combination of two criteria: your status (for example, active-duty member, DoDDS teacher, etc.), and your situation (for example, emergency leave, and ordinary leave, etc.).

Once accepted for movement, a space-available passenger may not be bumped by another space-available passenger, regardless of category.

  • Category I - Emergency leave travel
  • Category II - Accompanied Environmental & Morale Leave (EML)
  • Category III - Ordinary Leave, House Hunting TDY
  • Category IV - Unaccompanied dependents on EML
  • Category V - Permissive TDY, Students, Dependents, Post-Deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence
  • Category VI - Retirees, Dependents, Reservists & Disabled Veterans

Read the full article at Military.com.


Virtual Job Fair Calendar banner

Check Out these Upcoming Job and Career Events

An up-to-date list of upcoming job and career events is available on MiTalent.org's Career Events Calendar.

 

Metro Detroit Career Expo

July 28, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.  
Event Address:
Marriott Hotel - 26555 Telegraph Rd, Southfield, MI 48033

Connect with statewide, local and national companies ready to interview candidates. Bring your resume and prepare to interview with 50 employers with immediate job openings across multiple industries.  

 

G2 Secure Staffing Hiring Event

July 28, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.  
Event Address:
Michigan Works! Wayne American Job Center - 35731 W. Michigan Ave, Wayne, MI 48184
Event Link: Apply using this link

G2 Secure Staffing are hiring Aircraft Security Screeners ($17.50) and Ramp Agents ($15.50) for Detroit Metro Airport. Flight benefits are a perk for these positions. Please apply online prior to attending the hiring event.

 

UPS Hiring Event

August 9, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Event Address: Livonia Michigan Works! - 30246 Plymouth Rd, Livonia, MI 48150

Full time and seasonal positions available with excellent weekly pay. Medical, dental and vision available after waiting period and up to $25,000 un tuition assistance. 

 

Job Fairs Count as Work Search Activity in Michigan
Registering for and attending Virtual Job Fair events supported by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity count as official work search activities required by the Unemployment Insurance Agency. Check out upcoming virtual and in-person job fairs by visiting MiTalent.org’s Career Events website.


Event Success Tips

  • Be Prepared: Charge your phone and practice your elevator pitch.
  • Keep an Open Mind: You never know which company has the perfect job for you.
  • Work the Room: Stop by every booth and share your QR code with every organization.
  • Rule of 3: Get at least three company follow-ups.
  • Apply as You Network: Apply to open positions while you network with recruiters.
  • Smile: Be confident. You've got this!

Health and Other Resources

 

Health Resources

Additional Resources

Health Benefits: 877-222-8387
Other VA Benefits: 800-827-1000

Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255
Homeless Services: 877-424-3838

Health Benefits
www.va.gov/health-care

Veterans Crisis Line
veteranscrisisline.net 

Mental Health
www.mentalhealth.va.gov

Homeless Services
www.va.gov/homeless

MyHealthVet
www.myhealth.va.gov 

Readjustment Counseling (Vet Centers)
www.vetcenter.va.gov 

Disease Prevention
www.prevention.va.gov

Compensated Work Therapy
www.va.gov/health/cwt

Women Veterans Health Care
www.womenshealth.va.gov

Substance Abuse Programs www.mentalhealth.va.gov/substance-use.asp

Geriatrics and Extended Care
www.va.gov/geriatrics

National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
www.ptsd.va.gov 
Rural Health
www.ruralhealth.va.gov 
 

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