Veterans’ Employment Services (VES) celebrated the June 12 observance of Women Veterans Recognition Day by highlighting resources to career guidance and skill development. Run by veterans, for veterans, VES helped more than 6,000 Michigan veterans in 2024 with building the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the workforce.

Having served, VES staff understand the unique barriers veterans face when entering the job market. Without tailored support, they risk unemployment and long-term job instability.

Read more about how VES helps veterans here. 

Michigan veterans with disabilities can receive specialized support through a powerful collaboration between Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and Veterans’ Employment Services (VES). This partnership aims to ensure veterans are aware of and can access the essential wrap-around services designed to help them thrive in the workforce.

Veterans visiting Michigan Works! Service Centers are encouraged to identify as a veteran when completing their intake and, if applicable, note any disabilities to receive the most relevant services. Together, MRS and VES provide comprehensive employment assistance, vocational rehabilitation and specialized guidance tailored to meet veterans' unique needs.

By leveraging these resources, veterans can connect with job opportunities, receive career coaching and access supportive programs that help with skill development and long-term employment success. This "dynamic duo" of services will lead to better job placements, enhanced career paths and increased access to critical benefits for veterans across the state.

Get started by visiting your local Michigan Works! Service Center or the nearest MRS office. 

The Vetrepreneur Franchise Academy’s free 10-Step, 10-Week Class turns veterans and military spouses into business owners. Veteran franchising experts will lead you and your classmates through group and individual sessions to get you into franchise ownership.

Join the free virtual info session on June 20 from 3-4 p.m. to learn about:

• Live virtual group sessions: Engage in live sessions with opportunities for real-time interaction.
• 24/7 support: Access to your personal franchise coach 24/7 for continuous support.
• One-on-one coaching: Benefit from one-on-one guidance tailored to your specific business needs.
• Community support: Connect with a network of like-minded veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs.
• Exclusive resources: Utilize the Vetrepreneur® Portal, assessments, tools, information and more.
• Franchise matching: Get matched with franchise options that align with your goals and are available in your area.
• Lifetime access: Continue learning with ongoing access to updated resources.

Register for the info session or learn more about the program at Vetrepreneur.com/Franchise-Academy.

At Traverse-City-based Plascon, innovation and integrity are more than just business principles, they are part of a broader mission rooted in community, opportunity and service. As a manufacturer of specialty plastic packaging for the food service, institutional and pharmaceutical industries, Plascon takes pride in delivering custom solutions and exceptional customer support. But behind the cutting-edge products is a company that values people just as much as progress—especially those who have served our country.

Since its founding in 2000, Plascon has grown from a two-person operation into a thriving business with a mission that extends well beyond manufacturing. Initially launched with a unique social purpose—to create jobs for inmates in jails—the company later expanded its employment model to include Community Work Programs for the developmentally disabled. This foundation of inclusion and service has naturally extended to another group of high-value team members: military veterans.

Plascon is proud to support and actively recruit veterans across all levels of its organization. Nearly 6% of Plascon’s current workforce is made up of veterans, and in the past year alone, more than 15% of all new hires were individuals with military backgrounds. This focus isn’t just about numbers, it reflects a strategic commitment to hiring individuals who bring leadership, dedication and a unique skill set honed through service.

As a result of these efforts, Plascon was honored with the Michigan Veteran-Friendly Employer Bronze Level Award, recognizing the company’s proactive approach to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. This statewide recognition underscores Plascon’s role as a leader in providing meaningful career opportunities for those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. 

“We are incredibly honored to receive the Bronze Level Veteran-Friendly Employer award,” said Alayne Hansen, Human Resources Director at Plascon. “Our veteran employees bring a level of discipline, commitment, and teamwork that truly strengthens our organization. We are deeply grateful for their service and proud to support them in building successful careers after the military.”

To support this mission, Plascon actively collaborates with Veterans’ Employment Services and Michigan Works!, streamlining the pathway for veterans to transition into the civilian workforce. These partnerships help identify veteran talent and connect them directly with Plascon’s job openings, ensuring vacancies are filled by individuals who bring invaluable experience and a deep sense of purpose to their work.

As Plascon moves forward, its mission remains clear: to innovate with purpose, support its people, and foster a workplace where veterans and all employees can thrive. Through this ongoing dedication, Plascon proves that building better products starts with building a better team.

In October 2024, Tony visited the Michigan Works! Southeast Washtenaw Service Center to register for employment services. After several years of working for UPS as an IT professional, he was permanently laid-off due to company restructuring.

Once Michigan Works! staff identified Tony as a veteran, they got him connected with VES staff. The team began by outlining his long-term employment goal to become an IT professional, identifying his barriers to employment and creating a plan to address them. 

VES staff helped Tony update his resume, practice interviewing, discusses job search strategies and much more in an effort to get him as job-ready as possible. He was then referred to a Local Veterans Career Advisor for additional career guidance and support getting him placed in suitable employment. 

Drawing from all of the guidance and support he received, Tony identified a career opportunity with the Taylor Corporation as a VB.net Software Developer and applied for it. After three interviews with the employer, Tony was offered the job.

Tony is now working with the Taylor Corporation as VB.net Software Developer earning $90,000 per year. He is also receiving training in cybersecurity, Network+, and Security+ to improve his future employability. 

Camp Liberty will be hosting a fundraiser and family picnic event on Saturday, June 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by to enjoy a fun-filled day with: 

• 50/50 raffle 
• Petting zoo
• Food trucks
• Aircraft displays 
• Inflatables 
• First responder & military vehicles 
• Property tours 
• Live music by the Renegades Band

There is a suggested donation of $5 per person. Children 4 years and younger are free. The price includes admission and activities. Learn more at CampLibertyMichigan.org.

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.