As we celebrate Military Appreciation Month in May, it's a perfect time to reflect on the dedication and sacrifice of members of our armed forces. From a simple thank you to more substantial gestures, be sure to thank the veteran in your life.

At Veterans’ Employment Services, our all veteran team understands the importance of showing appreciation regularly. We extend this gratitude not only to each other but also to the clients we serve. As we prepare for Memorial Day 2024, also consider showing appreciation for those who have given their lives in service to this country.

Today, we want to take a moment to express our appreciation to all the veteran jobseekers in Michigan. Your decision to live, work and play in Michigan gives us the privilege to serve and honor you. Whether you're in Alpena, Taylor, Battle Creek, or Selfridge, or anywhere in between, your choice to be a part of the military community has a significant impact.

We are grateful for the men and women who call Michigan home and support this beautiful state. Thank you for your service and for choosing Michigan. Take a moment to explore upcoming Memorial Day celebration events at Travel-MI.com. 

The Michigan Veterans’ Employment Services team is working with your local Michigan Works! and other partners to create a comprehensive network of services that will support local employers and significantly impact the lives of those who have dedicated themselves to serving our nation. The Michigan Patriot Care Services (MI-PCS) initiative is designed to help participating employers address critical workforce needs by attracting and retaining valuable veteran talent.

MI-PCS strives to raise awareness about employment opportunities and resources available for veterans with significant barriers to employment by providing tangible resources and programs designed to address the unique needs of veterans, qualified spouses and caregivers, dependent children, and transitioning service members.

Learn more about MI-PCS here.

The annual observance of Professional Trades Month honors hard-working Michiganders in professional trades while encouraging students and adults to explore education and career opportunities leading to high-wage, in-demand careers.

With more than 520,000 Michigan jobs and approximately 45,500 annual openings in the professional trades projected by the year 2030, there's no better time to explore professional trades careers! Head to Pathfinder.MiTalent.org to create your roadmap to a career in the professional trades. 

Regardless of where you're at in your employment journey, HIRE MI VET has a suite of expert mentors who are here for you! After an initial intake meeting, veterans are assigned a mentor who can help them with: 

• Resumes and cover letters 
• Interviewing 
• Elevator speeches 
• Networking
• Job search and application process

To learn more or request a mentor, please go to hiremivet.org/mentor. 

In recent months, the company has welcomed two veterans referred to them by VES. Currently, veterans make up five percent of their more than 1,300 staff members, and they are enthusiastic about continuing to support and hire local veterans. 

VES works closely with Blarney Castle Oil and Co to fill their job openings with veteran talent. To explore their current job openings, go to MiTalent.org, click on Advanced Job Search under the Job Seeker tab.

From there, you can search for "Blarney Castle Oil and Co" in the Search By Organization Name section.

After completing her service, Ogemaw County native and U.S. Army veteran Kelly Dobson, who served with distinction as a combat medic for four years, decided to complete her education.

With determinations and a desire to continue serving her community, Kelly decided to take advantage of her combat medic training by enrolling in the nursing program at Kirtland Community College.

Despite many challenges, Kelly stayed focused on her goal of becoming a registered nurse. As graduation quickly approached - and with it the new challenge of finding a job - Kelly reached out to her local Michigan Works! Service Center for support. There, she connected with Veterans' Career Advisor (VCA) Bridget Baker.

Understanding Kelly's unique background and skillset, VCA Bridget worked closely with Kelly to optimize her resume and highlight her military experience and nursing education. She then connected Kelly with Ogemaw County Michigan Works! Director Penny Payea. 

Impressed by Kelly's qualifications and dedication, Penny facilitated Kelly's referral to the MyMichigan Hospital. Kelly's resume, coupled with Penny's endorsement, caught the attention of the hiring team at MyMichigan Hospital, who recognized the value of Kelly's military service and nursing expertise.

Following an interview, Kelly received an offer for a medical-surgical nursing position. Thrilled to embark on this new chapter of her career, Kelly joined the hospital team with enthusiasm and a commitment to delivering high-quality patient care. By leveraging her military experience and partnering with Michigan Works! and VES, Kelly has found a rewarding career where she can continue to make a difference in the lives of others.

Many veterans are finding farming and beekeeping to be therapeutic and meaningful, and this work often comes with a community veterans can rely on.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has complied a list of free opportunities exclusively for veterans interested in beekeeping or agricultural programs. Explore the list here.

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.