According to the Department of Labor, every year, approximately 200,000 service members leave the military to return to civilian life. In order to soften the landing of these 200k people, the DOL, DoD, DOE, DHS, VA, and OPM created the Transition Assistance Program. TAP is not a perfect program, but it is constantly striving to be better. But how can you improve a program if nobody knows all of the benefits of it? One resource that TAP classes don’t often discuss is the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS). The VETS program is a federal initiative that helps veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. It also advocates for veterans’ employment rights and ensures they receive the benefits and services to which they are entitled under federal law.
Overview of the VETS Program
The VETS program has an amazing PDF Resource Guide that is posted on the DOL’s website and has 58 pages of additional resources. These resources include in great detail, tips to find job boards, mentorship services, services if you are facing homelessness, salary research, military-to-civilian terminology translation, virtual and remote opportunities, and much more. This guide also contains all the information taught in the TAP courses that service members receive during their transition out of the military. Here’s an overview of the key components of the program.
1. Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
TAP provides essential employment workshops for transitioning service members and their families. The program covers resume writing, interview skills, and how to translate military experience into civilian workforce terms. Participants also gain access to the Department of Labor’s Career OneStop tools.
2. Jobs for Veterans State Grants
This initiative provides funding to state workforce agencies to hire staff dedicated to helping veterans find employment. The staff focus on veterans with significant barriers to employment, and work to build partnerships with employers and increase job opportunities for veterans.
3. Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)
USERRA protects service members’ rights to return to civilian jobs after their military service. It also provides support for veterans facing employer discrimination due to their military service, ensuring they are treated fairly in the workforce.
4. HIRE Vets Medallion Program
This program recognizes employers who hire and retain veterans. It awards them based on criteria such as the percentage of veteran employees, training programs, and support initiatives. It’s a mark of distinction for businesses committed to supporting veterans in the workforce.
5. Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program
This program focuses on providing job training and placement services for homeless veterans. It aims to reintegrate them into the workforce, helping them regain stability and self-sufficiency.
6. Apprenticeship and Credentialing Assistance
The program works with employers and organizations to create apprenticeship and training opportunities, allowing veterans to gain valuable skills and certifications. It specifically supports veterans seeking Registered Apprenticeships, a great way to enter specialized fields.
7. Veterans.gov
This online portal serves as a one-stop shop for veterans, offering a range of career resources, including job search tools and connections to veteran-friendly employers. It’s a comprehensive platform that makes the job search process easier for veterans.
These programs are all designed to help veterans transition smoothly into civilian careers, offering support in job searching, training, and employer connections.
Who Is Eligible for the Vets Program?
VETS programs are open to veterans, particularly those with service-connected disabilities, as well as transitioning service members, their spouses, reservists, and National Guard members. Employers interested in hiring veterans or learning about veteran-related benefits are also eligible to participate.
To access VETS programs, check your local American Job Center (AJC) for employment services and referrals, explore the Veterans’ Employment Resources section at Veterans.gov, or contact state-level workforce agencies for JVSG assistance.
The VETS program is disturbingly undersold and undermarketed. Veterans need the information contained on the DOL website and in the Resource Guide when exiting the service, no matter which branch. If you know of any veteran who has transitioned recently or is preparing to transition, send them over to the VETS program website and help them up their chances for a smooth one.
