Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS)

VETS Newsletter:

Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS)

April 24, 2017

As we approach Military Appreciation Month in May, I want to highlight just a few ways we at DOL VETS support transitioning servicemembers and their families as they make the move from military to civilian life. Recognized as a month-long celebration, Military Appreciation Month helps focus the Nation on its military family--to honor, remember, recognize and appreciate those who have served and those now serving.

An important aspect of supporting our military and their families (as they make the transition to from military to civilians, or later as veterans) is the availability of meaningful employment support. From Gulf War II era veterans who have recently transitioned to veterans who have been out of uniform for many years, VETS does this by engaging and mobilizing communities and employers to establish collaborative partnerships that support veterans nationwide. We also work to address the skill gap between veterans and employers who are seeking employees with industry recognized credentials and by helping veterans and transitioning servicemembers receive occupational, classroom and on-the-job training. Another key component of VETS’ work is conducting employer outreach across the country, making it easier for companies to find and hire veterans by leveraging federal, state, and local resources.

This month we wrapped up our VETS Leadership Conference in D.C. The timing was great, and we covered a lot of important topics. While I won’t recap the conference here, I do want to give you a flavor of the kinds of things we addressed. Our regional staff and national office leadership team discussed and shared ideas on topics like the military’s decision making process, communications, and employer outreach initiatives. We also hosted a Community Engagement Roundtable to discuss how national level programs and organizations can translate into coordinated services and assistance for veterans at the local level across the country. Then we discussed program goals and priorities for the year. While the employment situation for veterans continues to look promising, we look forward to considering new ways to ensure veterans have the best employment assistance possible.

• Our regional staff and national office leadership team discussed and shared ideas on topics like the military's decision making process, communications and employer outreach initiatives.

• We also hosted a Community Engagement Roundtable to discuss how national level programs and organizations can translate into coordinated services and assistance for veterans at the local level, across the country.

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I continue to remain impressed with our entire team here at VETS, and I appreciate their passion, expertise, and experience. We are fortunate to have such a talented and dedicated team of professionals.

Thank you again for your support in serving our veterans and their families,

Sam Shellenberger,
Deputy Assistant Secretary