Gov. Whitmer proclaimed May as Military Appreciation Month, honoring military members and their families throughout the state by recognizing their sacrifices and celebrating their successes. 

“Michiganders who serve our state and nation in uniform embody our highest values and put their lives on the lines to keep us safe,” said Governor Whitmer. “Together, we will have their backs, ensuring they have healthcare, housing, and economic opportunity here in Michigan.”

One of the best ways to show support for the military is to donate to a charity that supports them. If you are able please consider donating to one of the following: 

• The Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs' Military Family Relief Fund, which supports military families with grants funding financial assistance. 
• Michigan Veteran Homes' Life Enrichment Fund, which is used to improve the quality of life for veteran members. 
• The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, which helps connect veterans to the services and benefits they earned.

Your military skills and experiences are incredibly valuable in the civilian job market. And with the right strategies, you can confidently navigate this transition.

1. Resume Revamp: Tailor your resume to highlight your military achievements and relevant skills.
2. Networking Opportunities: Leverage your network of fellow veterans, mentors, and professionals to explore job openings, gain industry insights, and connect with potential employers.
3. Translate Your Skills: Clearly articulate how your military skills transfer to the civilian workforce. Use common terms and explain the value you bring to potential employers.
4. Professional Development: Further your education or obtain certifications that align with your career goals.
5. Job Fairs and Hiring Events: Participate in job fairs and hiring events specifically geared toward veterans, where employers actively seek out military talent. View a list of upcoming events below.
6. Utilize Online Resources: Explore websites and job boards like MiTalent.org that prioritizes connecting veterans with job opportunities.
7. Transition Assistance Programs: Tap into resources offered by organizations such as Military OneSource, which provide dedicated support and guidance throughout the transition process.
8. Be Flexible: Be open to starting at an entry-level position or pursuing opportunities that may not perfectly align with your military role. 

Stay motivated, stay focused, and embrace the new opportunities that await you! Explore more resources at Michigan.gov/VES and through the Michigan Works! network.

Last week, Gov. Whitmer signed a bill to give tuition assistance benefits to spouses and dependents of National Guard members.

House Bill 4199 expands eligibility for tuition assistance to National Guard members' family members and increases the funding cap from $10 million to $15 million.

The Michigan National Guard Tuition Assistance Program provides financial assistance for service members attending any public or private college, university, vocational school, technical school, or trade school located in Michigan.

"The program offers members of the guard tuition assistance, so they can pursue higher education or skills training at a lower cost. But we know that next to every member of the Guard is a family: an invaluable support system that makes countless sacrifices," Whitmer said. "Getting this done will open doors for so many more people to get on paths to higher education and good-paying, in-demand jobs without a lifetime of debt."

Read the full press release.

The USO Pathfinder Transition Program works with strategic partners to connect service members and military spouses to resources through a holistic approach, focusing on employment, education, financial readiness, mentorship, and benefits.

Through the creation of an individualized action plan, USO Transition Specialists collaborate with individuals to identify their personal and professional goals and build a roadmap to achieving them, while also identifying services and resources that are the best fit for their needs.

This program also offers support to plan for life after the military, connecting participants to valuable resources for a smooth transition to civilian life.

USO Transition Specialists provide these free services through one on-one support (either virtually, or in person) and help military families create a plan for success now – and for the future. Get started at USO.org.

Navy veteran Trisha Bednarczk successfully completed her master's degree in project management through the Veteran Readiness and Employment program. She was referred to Veterans’ Career Advisor (VCA) Paul Burke for assistance finding a job.

Together, Trisha and VCA Burke developed a targeted employment plan that included crafting a tailored resume. Once Trisha was job ready, VCA Burke referred her to Local Veterans' Employment Representative (LVER) Kendal Kettle.

Trisha actively applied for job referrals provided by LVER Kettle and maintained regular communication with both her and VCA Burke regarding her applications. At the same time, LVER Kettle advocated for Trisha with employers, resulting in her being offered interviews for the five positions she applied for!

After completing all five interviews, Trisha received immediate job offers for three of them. Ultimately, she decided to accept the Project Manager position at Fincantieri Marinette Marine, which was a perfect fit for her recently completed degree and offered her a competitive wage.

Throughout the process, VCA Burke and LVER Kettle employed a people-centered approach to Trisha's case, leading to multiple interview opportunities. Additionally, they provided Trisha with thorough interview skills training, significantly enhancing her chances of securing a position.

Trisha expresses deep appreciation for the assistance she received from VES and is thrilled about her new employment opportunity. 

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), the military program spearheaded by PGA REACH, aims to enrich the lives of veterans and Active-Duty military personnel by introducing them to golf. 

At its core, PGA HOPE is dedicated to providing a transformative experience for our nation's heroes. Through the sport of golf, this exceptional program offers a holistic approach, enhancing their overall well-being and fostering a sense of camaraderie. 

The organization is offering several sessions of golf throughout the summer. All events are free for veterans and golf clubs, balls and tees will be provided for those who do not have their own. 

View the list of upcoming events.

Scholarships for the Google Career Certificates are still available! 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 less than six months. 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.

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.