LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – This Veterans Day, Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity is highlighting its employment resources for veterans. The state’s Veterans’ Employment Services (VES) are dedicated to creating new futures for eligible veterans and their spouses. In partnership with Michigan Works! the state provides one-on-one career services designed to reduce or eliminate barriers in the workforce.
The state of michigan has set clear goals to raise the number of people with post-secondary degrees and bring more households into the middle class. Susan Corbin, the director of the Office of Labor and Economic Opportunity said that veterans’ employment services contribute directly to those goals.
“We want to make sure that everybody in Michigan has the opportunity to participate in our economy fully,” Corbin said. “We know that in Michigan, to meet our labor force participation goals that we need to be working with population groups that maybe have been underrepresented in the past.”
Michigan Works! employs local veteran career advisors who work with Michigan Works! Their offices provide comprehensive skill assessment interviews, which give veterans a better idea of how their skills for their service translate into the workforce. Advisors also provide career guidance services, individual employment plans, job search activities, and labor market information to veterans and their families. They also help with housing and transportation needs and acquire apprenticeship program equipment if needed. Corbin said that often, these advisors are even veterans themselves.
“Like many people who want to get into our workforce, they face barriers. and so, you know, the michigan works offices can also help with barriers that, you know, some of our veterans might be experiencing. I do think that it helps somebody when they’re in the midst of a job search if they know that the person they’re working with understands their experiences.” Corbin said. “We want Michigan employers to understand the fantastic value that a veteran can bring to the workforce.”
VES also works with employers through local veteran employment representatives who work to keep an open line of communication between employers, the state, and veterans to make sure all sides can get the most benefit.
Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! has 10 offices across the U.P. where you can access Veteran’s Employment Services. VES advisors are available year-round to help veterans and their families secure good jobs across the state. You can find your local Michigan Works! office here: upmichiganworks.org/contact/
