For Michigan’s 435,000 veterans, the transition from service to civilian employment is not always easy. Many veterans face barriers, including translating military skills into civilian careers, navigating disability accommodations and adjusting to a changing job market – challenges that can lead to underemployment or long-term job instability without the right support.

Veterans’ Employment Services (VES) provides specialized career and training services to veterans, transitioning service members and their spouses who face barriers to employment, ensuring they have the support needed to re-enter the workforce, build in-demand skills and secure meaningful careers. Thanks in large part to the team’s efforts, Michigan ranks #4 in the nation for helping veterans secure employment, and also ranks fourth nationally for veteran workforce participation.

VES provides one-on-one career counseling, resume support and connections to training programs designed to lead to long-term success. Learn more about how you can get support at Michigan.gov/VES or stop by your local Michigan Works! Service Center and let them know you've served.

Thousands of National Guard members and future veterans could become eligible for full federal veterans benefits under new legislation introduced in Congress last month.

The bill, H.R. 8281, also known as the Guard Equal Benefits for Federal Missions Act, would change how certain National Guard deployments are classified for benefit purposes, potentially unlocking VA health care, education benefits, retirement credit and higher pay that some Guard members currently miss out on.

Read more about the bill here.

Camp Liberty is looking for sponsors for their Golf Outing and Family Fun Day on Saturday, June 20 at the Gauci Golf Resort in Onstead. 

Sponsors will have their logos included on all event signage. All money raised will go to Camp Liberty's events, building a stronger veteran and First Responder community. 

Sponsorship levels start at just $60. To sponsor, contact Melinda Schwyn at 517-206-8633 or programs@camplibertymichigan.org. 

Learn more at about Camp Liberty at CampLibertyMichigan.org. 

In March, Julio visited the Michigan Works! Southeast Lenawee Service Center for the first time. Prior to seeking assistance, he had been employed as a Corrections Officer with the Michigan Department of Corrections but needed to find a new career due to changes in his circumstances.

Once Julio identified himself as a veteran, Michigan Works! Southeast staff connected him with Veterans’ Employment Services (VES).

Julio met with a Veterans’ Career Advisor to review his professional background, employment goals and any potential barriers to securing new employment. Together, they outlined a plan to help Julio get back to work.

Drawing upon his aviation maintenance experience in the Marine Corps, Julio elected to pursue employment within the industrial sector. He then received support with creating a new resume, job search strategies, personal maintenance guidance, and ongoing career coaching and interview prep.

With that support, Julio was able to interview for an opportunity with Rima Manufacturing, a local veteran-friendly employer. After completing two rounds of interviews, Julio was offered the Grinder Operator position, which he began in late April.

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 nearly 518,300 Michigan jobs and approximately 40,600 annual openings in the professional trades projected by the year 2032, 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. 

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.