Veterans' Employment Services Newsletter
IN THIS ISSUE:
Veterans can enjoy the benefit of learning project management best practices with affordable, globally accredited courses offered by a recognized Platinum Educational Partner of the Institute of Project Management, thanks to a discount from a veteran-owned business!
Scott Kinder, the CEO of Redefined Project Management, and a military veteran himself, has extended a generous offer to further support veterans' transition into project management roles. The self-paced online courses are designed to be comprehensive and are equivalent to the Certified Associate in Project Management credential offered by the Project Management Institute.
Veterans who are interested in pursuing this opportunity, can register for the online course here. Be sure to enter the discount code VES at checkout to receive 50% off the cost of the course. Don't wait - this offer is available until April 1, 2024.
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The Jackson Area Transportation Authority (JATA), in collaboration with Printer Source Plus and Professional Tree Care, have generously stepped forward to support local veterans in their quest for employment opportunities. Printer Source Plus and Professional Tree Care, both family-owned businesses, have demonstrated their commitment to the community by providing a year’s worth of bus passes for veterans, ensuring they have reliable transportation as they pursue job opportunities.
These passes will be distributed through Veterans’ Career Advisor Mikie Kelly. Read more about this opportunity – and how you can get access to free bus passes – at mijata.org/heroesathome.
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More than half of all jobs in Michigan require skills training – more than a high school diploma, but less than a four-year degree. Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs may be the perfect fit to begin your training.
CTE programs prepare you for employment in current or emerging fields and help you obtain a high-skill, high-wage and in-demand career. These programs are offered at colleges and some universities for the attainment of a certificate and/or associate degree in fields like healthcare, information technology, hospitality, manufacturing and more.
This February, explore career options, training and wages at Pathfinder.MiTalent.org.
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 Despite facing systemic racism and discrimination, Black soldiers, spies and support staff demonstrated exceptional bravery and skill. They were often given the most dangerous assignments and fought longer than other units under segregated conditions until President Harry Truman ended segregation in the military in 1948.
Highlighted stories include the diverse roles Black Americans played in fighting for freedom and equal rights, their participation in key military conflicts, and the groundbreaking achievements of units like the Harlem Hellfighters and the Tuskegee Airmen, which helped pave the way for civil rights progress.
Read this History.com article for details about the significant contributions of Black Americans in the U.S. military.
Macomb County residents can get their taxes done for free with the help of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program!
VITA helps families avoid high tax prep fees, access all credits they are eligible for and connect families to services and programs that will help them increase their financial stability.
Schedule your appointment here.
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U.S. Navy veteran Hamp McGowen had been out of the workforce for years, but reached out to his local Michigan Works! when he decided to return to work. Being out of the workforce for over ten years, Hamp faced a unique set of challenges with resume writing, job searching and interview skills. But with the combined efforts of Northwest Michigan Works! and Veterans’ Career Advisor Ken Rapelje, Hamp was ready to take on the job market with confidence.
Ken worked with Hamp to narrow down the types of jobs he was interested in and discovered Hamp's interest in continuing to serve his community. Once Hamp was job ready, they worked closely with the Local Veterans' Employment Representative Pat Muoio to start advocating for Hamp and assisting with the application process.
With Hamp's experience, attention to detail, and interest in serving the community, the Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) was on the top of the list of companies to target. BATA is committed to providing essential transportation to the community they serve and have a huge veteran employment focus.
BATA ensure their veterans receive the recognition they deserve with military centric pins they can wear in uniform, recognizing them in veteran ceremonies as well as displaying pictures of their veteran employees in honor of their service. BATA also offers discounts to veterans due to their respect and admiration of those who served.
They were also recognized by VES on December 4, 2023 with a Certificate of Appreciation for their commitment to hiring and retaining veterans. It's no surprise that this was the company Hamp decided to continue his career with!
 Pictured from left to right: Director of HR Chris Davis, BATA Executive Director Kelly Dunham, HR Coordinator Brittany Burley, veteran Hamp McGowen and Local Veterans’ Employment Representative Pat Muoio.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has launched its first Combat Tested Gaming League, an online gaming event designed exclusively for veterans and service members. This inaugural season offers participants a chance to engage in competitive gaming – and is completely free to join!
This event represents a unique opportunity for camaraderie and competition within the veteran and service member community. For more details and to register for the March event, go to vfw.org/gaming.
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Did you know the most common reason veterans and their spouses do not get a federal job interview is because they submitted their corporate resume for a federal job?
Don't make that mistake - sign up for the free 90-minute Transition Master Class to learn how to learn how to use the free Miitary.com federal resume template and save hours on resume writing.
Sign up for the free class here.
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An up-to-date list of upcoming job and career events is available on MiTalent.org's Career Events Calendar.
Engineering Technology & Manufacturing Career Fair
Feb. 15, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Event Address: Innovation Hall Jacobetti Complex - 1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI 49855
This concentrated recruiting event is geared specifically towards students choosing engineering technology, manufacturing and other related majors. This Fair will allow you to visit with students and alumni who are seriously considering the challenging careers related to these fields.
Staffing Agency Career Fair
Feb. 15, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Event Address: GST Michigan Works! Flint Service Center - 711 N Saginaw St, Flint, MI 48503
Event Details: register for the event
Head into a new career this year by stopping into the GST Michigan Works! Flint Service Center to meet with a variety of different staffing agencies ready to hire you!
Behavioral Health Services Virtual Job Fair
Feb. 21, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Event Details: register for the event
Join more than thirty Behavioral Health Providers from around the state to learn more about current behavioral health service opportunities and engage in on-the-spot interviews.
State of Michigan Virtual Job Fair
Feb. 21, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Event Details: register for the event
Learn how you can start your career in public service with the State of Michigan. We have a wide variety of open jobs. You can work with us in the industry you love, have an impact in your community, and enjoy quality of life with our comprehensive benefits package!
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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