To foster acceptance and inspire Michiganders to work together to create a more welcoming and inclusive state for all, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Departments of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), Education (MDE), Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Autism Alliance of Michigan to proclaim April as Autism Acceptance Month.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is the fastest growing developmental disability in the U.S., affecting more than five million people, per recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveillance estimates.

LEO, MDE, MDHHS, Autism Alliance of Michigan and many other community providers across the state have resources for individuals with autism, ranging from identification and diagnosis, to support, training and intervention.

Discover the mission and resources of Autism Alliance of Michigan by visiting AutismAllianceOfMichigan.org. Explore the vocational rehabilitation services provided to people with autism by Michigan Rehabilitation Services, within LEO’s Office of Employment and Training, by visiting Michigan.gov/MRS. You can also learn more about how MDE and MDHHS support individuals with autism by visiting MDE’s Special Education website or Michigan.gov/Autism.

Redemption and second chances are American values and, for the estimated 65 million Americans who have a criminal record, a second chance can make a huge difference.

Unfortunately, returning citizens face significant barriers such as the inability to find housing, employment or education, and pay for debt that arises as a result of their incarceration.

These barriers can contribute to recidivism, which decreases public safety. With the help of the Clean Slate bills, returning citizens can get a second chance.

Veterans' Employment Services, along with partners in the Michigan Department of Corrections and the Michigan Works! network, provide programs to help incarcerated veterans successfully reenter society and return to work.

Michigan Citizen Reentry Initiative (MiCRI)

Registered Apprenticeships allow you to earn an industry-recognized credential without the high cost of tuition. Registered Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing you to gain hands-on experience and the chance to "earn while you learn." 

And workers who complete apprenticeship programs earn an average of $300,000 more over their career when compared to peers who don't! Plus, 92% of apprentices stay with their employer after completing their program.

Today, apprenticeships are expanding across both traditional and nontraditional industries into more than 1,200 occupations, including careers in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, construction, education, energy, healthcare, information technology, mobility, and many others.

For more information and to find your nearest Apprenticeship Success Coordinator, go to Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship.

The Michigan Works! Service Centers provide workforce development services for job seekers, incumbent workers, employers, and youth through their regional centers across the state.

In partnership with employers, educators, economic developers, and community organizations, Michigan Works! helps provide resources to create a qualified workforce that meets the current and future talent needs of Michigan employers.

Michigan Works! Service Centers can be found in all areas of Michigan and can help provide you with the resources you need to succeed in your current, or new, job. You'll find qualified professionals dedicated to helping you make the most out of your career journey. 

Find your local Michigan Works! Service Center at MichiganWorks.org.

Recently-retired U.S Army veteran David Vondoloski had been working for a local mortgage loan servicing company in a clerical job that was not very meaningful to him. When David decided he wanted a more challenging job that utilized his extensive military leadership experience, he stopped by his local Michigan Works! Service Center in Hancock.

There, he worked with Harriet King, a Michigan Works! Talent Specialist, to determine whether he qualified for VES services. Once David had been identified as an eligible veteran, Harriet helped connect him with Veterans' Career Advisor (VCA) William Ennis. 

Together, VCA William and David developed a comprehensive career plan to include information on additional services such as Joint Service Transcripts, FASFA, E-Benefits resources, and job search resources through Pure Michigan Talent Connect (MiTalent.org). 

Once David’s resume was updated, he was referred to Local Veterans' Employment Representative (LVER) Kendal Kettle. LVER Kendal then worked with David to explore local opportunities.

Their collaboration led David to apply for the Operations Manager position with Lamers Bus Lines, where David was interviewed by Lamers Bus Lines’ CEO. David made such a powerful impression that he was offered the District Manager position with a competitive annual salary!

As a former or current member of the armed forces, you have already demonstrated personal dedication, perseverance and strong commitment to your country. Today, the U.S. government is better prepared than ever to offer you new, economically competitive civilian employment opportunities.

Whether you're an officer, bookkeeper, aircraft repairman, supply clerk or administrative officer, the federal government may have the right job for you. Now all you need is to create your federal resume. Learn how to create your federal resume here.

Did you know, many businesses offer discounts to veterans – including restaurants, hotels, recreational activities, and even home improvement stores. To take advantage of these discounts, you’ll need an easy way to show your veteran status. And the best way to do this is through a VA Veteran ID Card.

The VA’s Veteran ID Card has been digital since September 2022. This is different from the VA healthcare ID card, which veterans receive when they enroll in VA healthcare. 

Apply for your VA Veteran ID Card here. If you have a physical card, you can still continue to use it. 

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.