Veterans' Employment Services Newsletter
IN THIS ISSUE:
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.
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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.
The Michigan Citizen Reentry Initiative (MiCRI) is designed to reduce recidivism among returning citizens and increase their successful participation in employment and training opportunities.
The Michigan Incarcerated Veterans’ In-Reach Program (MIVIP) helps provide pre-release education, employment assistance and career guidance to incarcerated veterans at seven correctional facilities in Michigan.
Learn more about these programs at Michigan.gov/VES.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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The Veteran Navigators were created to assist veterans and military families of ALL eras and discharge types. They work to connect veterans and their families to federal, state and local resources to ease issues regarding mental health, substance abuse, housing and other common issues that impact veterans in order to support healthier lifestyles and provide support.
Find a Veteran Navigator that services your area.
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.
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An up-to-date list of upcoming job and career events is available on MiTalent.org's Career Events Calendar.
Liner Technician Hiring Event
May 2, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. May 3, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Event Address: Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! - 312 E Genesee Ave, Saginaw, MI 48607
American Linear Systems will be conducting on the spot interviews for Remote Work Liner Tech.
Ingham County DHHS Spring Job Fair
May 4, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Event Address: Don Johnson Fieldhouse - 400 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Lansing, MI 48912
Over 150 positions available in Healthcare, Manufacturing, Transportation, and more with wages of $15 per hour and up.
Michigan Works! West Central Hiring Party
May 5, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Event Address: Michigan Works! West Central - 5252 S M37, Baldwin, MI 49304 Event Details: view the details here
Come dressed to impress and meet with employers. Interviews may happen on site. Enjoy a free lunch and leave with a job!
Michigan Trades Career Event (hybrid event)
May 12, 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Event Address: Capital Commons Center - 400 S Pine St, Lansing, MI 48933 Event Details: register for the event here
Are you a skilled trades professional looking for a great career opportunity? Join us May 12, 2023 to learn how you can become a member of the State of Michigan Professional Trades Team!
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
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Be Prepared: Charge your phone and practice your elevator pitch.
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Keep an Open Mind: You never know which company has the perfect job for you.
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Work the Room: Stop by every booth and share your QR code with every organization.
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Rule of 3: Get at least three company follow-ups.
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Apply as You Network: Apply to open positions while you network with recruiters.
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Smile: Be confident. You've got this!
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.
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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.
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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 |
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