Helping soldiers find civilian jobs once they separate from service is not only a priority for the Pentagon, private organizations have also been helping out. One of the most substantial efforts, known as Get Skills to Work, is led by big-name companies such as General Electric, Alcoa, Boeing and Lockheed Martin, and is aimed at providing servicemembers with the tools necessary to find employment after leaving the Armed Forces, reports The Cincinnati Enquirer.
A search for meaning
One of the biggest challenges troops face when they search for jobs upon returning home from the battlefield is the stark contrast in lifestyles. While active duty soldiers have a structured life in the service and often have tasks that give their job meaning, it can be difficult to find that on the home front. Such was the case for James Giuffre, who felt that any job he could land once he returned stateside did not provide the same level of satisfaction as his time in the military. However, after graduating from a program offered by Get Skills to Work at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, he may have the opportunity to find more fulfilling work.
"The problem we have today is many of our vets were overseeing millions of dollars in equipment and supervising hundreds of people, and now they can't find jobs," said Darrell Smith, manager of veteran student affairs at the school, told the newspaper.
How does the program help?
Get Skills to Work does more than provide its veteran students with ability to succeed in advanced manufacturing positions, it also helps them work toward finding a job. Students who graduate from the program are given job counseling meant to help their professional careers in the industry. Manufacturing is certainly a good place to look – the organization says there are an estimated 600,000 positions available. The organization hopes to help 100,000 veterans find jobs by 2015.
Just one of many resources
The organization is one of many tools post-9/11 veterans can use if they're looking for employment. For instance, the Department of Labor operates its Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS), which offers everything from information on available to programs to expert advice on finding jobs. Separating servicemembers may also want to head to AFBA's Career Center, which pairs them up with employers looking to hire vets.