If you are starting to think about a post-military career, you might want to consider, while still one-year out from separation, the accelerated career training program Unconventional Apprenticeship from Transition Overwatch as a way of preparing to enter the civilian workplace. Each year, many veterans struggle with separating from the military … even after completing their branch’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP).
Both Apprenticeship and Internship
The program is “unconventional” in that it has both apprenticeship and internship phases. Most training programs only have one or the other. The internship is a 12-to-16-week program completed while still serving. Once transitioned out, the 12-month paid apprenticeship program begins with full salary and benefits. Part of the apprenticeship includes career support, coaching and professional development throughout the 12-month period.
While TAP is a great program, many veterans claim it does not go far enough as far as preparing them for the outside world and their post-military career. This is where this Department of Labor (DOL) VETS partner Transition Overwatch can help.
Career Tracks
They have eight career tracks available right now:
- IT Support Tech
- Software Developer
- Data Analyst
- Operations Leader
- Business Development Representative
- Project Manager
- Financial Advisor
- Diesel Technician
… and will be adding two more – Cybersecurity Analyst and System Administrator in the near future.
Transition Overwatch Interview
I had the privilege and honor to interview Transition Overtwatch’s CEO Sean Ofeldt. As part of the interview, I asked him three specific questions in relation to his transition struggle and their Unconventional Apprenticeship curriculum:
Q: I read a little bit about your personal transition struggle on your website, but can you tell us more?
A: “I did what most military members do as they approach transition – I had a plan coupled with the military mindset of I’m ready for anything. I didn’t realize that all sorts of tripwires and landmines were waiting for me on the other side, which I was completely unprepared for. This is true for most military members in transition. I transitioned and launched a startup in event management.
Three years later, as the story goes for the majority of startups, it ended in failure. At that point, I realized I had to support my family with a job.
I was three years removed from transition and began applying for jobs, trying to translate the job and skill set I acquired in the military to private sector employers. This process was extremely challenging and took much longer than I had ever anticipated.
It resulted in having to take a step back in pay and responsibility. This is all too common within the recently transitioned veteran population – underemployment.
While I knew I was more than qualified for the jobs I had applied to, breaking through the skills translation barrier was very difficult. In the end, it was a story of “luck,” which is what most successful veterans will tell you when it comes to their transition.
Military members shouldn’t have to rely on luck to launch into private sector careers successfully.”
Q: What was the thought process behind the curriculum as it is unusual for a program to have both an internship and apprenticeship. Most programs have one or the other.
A: “Military members need clarity and certainty during their transition. When creating the blueprint for our Unconventional Apprenticeship, our goal was to design a holistic solution that started 12 months in advance of transition with exploring careers and ended 12 months post-transition with employment, support, and a clear career trajectory. We looked at many transition internships and apprenticeships out there, and no existing service combined the two. Transition Overwatch layers in community and support to address the entire challenge and provide a win-win solution for transitioning military members and employers.”
Q: How were the program tracks selected? For instance, Diesel Technician seems out of place when compared to the other programs tracks which are all business or IT -type career choices.
A: “We develop programs based on industry and workforce demand. All of our programs have a tech focus because tech will become a bigger part of every occupation in the near future.
For example, within the next 5-8 years, a diesel technician will need to possess not only a mechanical skill set but will also need to be able to code. Our trucks and vehicles are just as much a computer as they are drive trains and engines.
All of our programs, which are free to veterans, include a foundational curriculum that ensures our military apprentices have the digital literacy required to succeed today and in the future.”
Transition Overwatch’s goal is to train 20,000 military members each year that are facing separation. If you want to be one of those 20,000, click on the GET STARTED button to get more information and start training for your next mission – employment in the civilian world.
