 April 2025
Veterans' Employment Services Newsletter
IN THIS ISSUE:
Veterans’ Employment Services (VES) recently visited Fort Moore, GA, in collaboration with the Michigan Army National Guard to speak with transitioning service members about all the services VES and partner agencies offer, encouraging them to make Michigan their post-service home.
The team showcased the wide range of support available to those who choose to call Michigan home, including the diverse opportunities within the Michigan National Guard, specialized assistance from VES, state-level support programs and the innovative Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) Initiative. All these initiatives are designed to help service members transition smoothly into civilian careers, ensuring they have the tools, support and resources to succeed in their post-military lives.
This visit marks VES’ second out-of-state visit, with plans for additional trips in the future to further expand outreach and support. The impact of these efforts will continue to grow, ensuring Michigan remains at the forefront of veteran support nationwide.
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On March 6, Northwest Michigan Works! and Networks Northwest hosted the Northwestern Michigan College Career & Majors Fair at the renowned Park Place Hotel. More than 80 businesses from a variety of industries took the opportunity to showcase their organizations and connect directly with qualified candidates.
For close to the 200 job seekers in attendance, the event offered invaluable face-to-face interactions with hiring managers, creating a streamlined process for finding employment opportunities that align with their career goals and aspirations.
Northwest Michigan Works! provided immediate assistance, offering a wide range of services such as resume reviews, job search resources and career counseling to help job seekers stand out in a competitive market.
Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and VES were both in attendance providing specialized services to individuals with disabilities and veterans, respectively. Both MRS and VES helped bridge the gap between job seekers and potential employers by facilitating introductions and advocating for their applicants, ensuring they had every opportunity for success.
The Northwestern Michigan College Career & Majors Fair exemplifies the power of community collaboration in driving economic growth and workforce development. By connecting talented individuals with businesses in need of skilled workers, the event created numerous win-win opportunities that will have a lasting positive impact on the region’s job market.
 From Left: Northwest Michigan Works! Business Service Representative Rob Best, Veterans’ Employment Services Employment Representative Pat Muoio and Michigan Rehabilitation Services Business Relations Consultant Craig Saunders.
Sign up now to volunteer on Camp Liberty Conservation Day on Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pick a project, a couple of hours and help Camp Liberty! Projects include:
- Tree cleanup and planting
- Landscaping and planting flowers
- Split and stack firewood
- Clean and repair the hunting binds
Feel free to sign up by yourself or with a group, team, friends or family. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to work, enjoy fellowship and help Camp Liberty!
Donuts, coffee, beverages and lunch will be provided. Sign up to volunteer here.
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Career Exploration & Awareness Month shines a spotlight on discovering the career pathways available to Michigan residents and the employment, training and educational opportunities that come with them.
There are a variety of valuable resources to help Michiganders follow career and labor trends. These include Michigan’s Hot 50 Job Outlook report, which showcases the top in-demand, high-wage occupations expected to see significant growth through 2032; Regional Career Outlook reports, which provide a breakdown of career outlook data in each of the state’s 10 regions; and Pathfinder, Michigan's free online career exploration tool.
Learn more about career exploration resources here.
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Keiven Colbert – Veterans' Career Advisor, Lansing
How has your military experience helped you in your position as a Veterans' Career Advisor (VCA)?
My military experience is the foundation of my ability to serve as a Veterans’ Career Advisor. When I joined the U.S. Marine Corps at 18, I was eager to prove myself, but I quickly learned that the challenges of military life demanded more than just enthusiasm—they required discipline, resilience and a commitment to continuous improvement. During my service, I not only acquired diverse skills through intensive training but also experienced firsthand the realities of sacrifice and teamwork.
I recognize that each veteran’s journey is unique, and I use the lessons learned from my military career—such as perseverance, leadership and the importance of mutual support—to provide tailored advice and resources. This personal insight not only allows me to relate to their struggles but also empowers me to help them overcome obstacles in their transition to civilian careers.
What should Veterans expect when they meet with a VCA?
When a veteran meets with a VCA, the first step is completing a Military Service Questionnaire. This helps us understand their service history, skills, career interests and any barriers they may be facing. However, this is just a starting point—what truly matters is the conversation that follows. Every veteran has a unique journey and before diving into employment services, it is essential to listen, learn and tailor support to their needs. More than just job search, our role is to support veterans holistically—because every veteran deserves the opportunity to thrive in their post-service career.
What resources do you recommend to Veterans seeking employment?
I highly recommend leveraging the following employment resources available to veterans and their families throughout Michigan:
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Michigan Works!, which operates as part of the nationwide American Job Centers network, offers comprehensive employment services for Michiganders, including veterans and their spouses.
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Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, which serves as a central coordinating agency, advocating for veterans and connecting them with employment, education, healthcare and other essential services.
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Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program, which supports homeless veterans in re-entering the workforce by providing job training, placement assistance and referrals for housing and counseling services.
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Supportive Services for Veteran Families, which offers housing stability services, financial aid and case management to low-income veteran families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
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Volunteers of America Michigan, which provides veteran-specific services, including transitional housing, employment training and mental health support to help veterans regain stability and independence.
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Operation: Job Ready Veterans, a nonprofit organization focused specifically on veteran job readiness and career development.
By engaging in these organizations, veterans can access a comprehensive support network designed to help them overcome employment barriers and achieve long-term career success. Whether they need immediate job placement, career development resources or personal support services, these programs ensure Michigan’s veterans receive the assistance they deserve.
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When Ruth, a nine-year Navy veteran originally from Ishpeming, moved back to the area she needed help finding a civilian job. That's when she stopped by her local Michigan Works! Service Center in Marquette, where she was connected to Veterans' Career Advisor Josh Cadotte.
Together, Ruth and Josh worked on updating her resume to a civilian-friendly version. Josh also helped connect Ruth to programs to help pay for interview clothes. Thanks to their hard work, Ruth was offered a full-time position at Anderson, Tackman & Co. making a competitive wage.
Ruth’s success is a testament to the excellent collaboration between Michigan Works! and Veterans' Employment Services in getting veterans the support they need and into the positions they desire.
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The Veterans’ Employee Resource Notification Act (Act 197 of 2024) requires certain employers to post information related to services for veterans. Effective April 2, 2025, any business that employs one or more employees at the employer’s place of business, must display a veteran’s resource poster in a conspicuous place accessible to all their employees.
Veterans’ Employment Services, in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (DMVA-MVAA), have designed two posters accessible to employers that detail available services and resources. These posters include a list of resources available to Michigan veterans, including mental health and substance abuse services; education and job training resources; tax benefits; services related to veteran designation on a driver license or official state personal identification card; resources for unemployment benefits; legal services and more.
Download the posters here.
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To foster acceptance and encourage Michiganders to work together to build a more inclusive state that supports opportunities 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.
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.
LEO offers a number of vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with autism through Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS). Through its statewide network, MRS develops creative, customized solutions to help individuals with disabilities prepare for and obtain competitive employment and achieve economic self-sufficiency. Learn more at Michigan.gov/MRS.
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An up-to-date list of upcoming job and career events is available on MiTalent.org's Career Events Calendar.
Oakland County Government Virtual Job Fair
April 15, 1 - 4 p.m.
Event Details: register for the virtual event
Discover exciting career opportunities and connect directly with team members from many of Oakland County departments. Whether you’re looking for a new job or exploring new paths, this event is for you!
West Michigan Works! Virtual Job Fair
April 16, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Event Details: register for the virtual event
The Virtual Job Fair provides you with the opportunity to do an initial phone screen with an employer. While less formal than a phone interview, a phone screen is your time to stand out from other candidates and get your foot in the door at a potential employer. You can expect to speak with employers about your job experience, your career interests and available job opportunities.
Bay Group Ventures Hiring Event
April 18, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Event Address: Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! Midland Service Center - 1409 Washington St, Midland, MI 48640
Event Details: view the event details
Bay Group Ventures, is independently owned and operated. Operated right here in the heart of Mid-Michigan, it is our goal to pass along our knowledge and services to help other small & large businesses spend more time with their clients/ customers/ patients, than paperwork, by taking some of the more tedious tasks off their desks.
Virtual Military-Friendly Job Fair
April 23, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Event Details: register for the virtual event
This event is designed specifically for transitioning service members, veterans, and civilian members of the military community. Many participating employers require U.S. citizenship.
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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