FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
The 733rd Mission Support Group is preparing to host Joint Base Langley-Eustis' inaugural Industry Training Day, Nov. 14 at the Fort Eustis Club. The event aims to provide Virginia employers with helpful information on how to fully utilize qualified veterans entering the civilian workforce.
The event, a cooperative between JBLE and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, will feature representatives from the Army Career and Alumni Program, Air Force and Army leadership, and industry professionals teaching employers how to successfully recruit veterans.
Terrie Suit, the Virginia Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security, will be the keynote speaker.
According to Reba Gordon, the Fort Eustis ACAP Transition Services manager, said employer representatives will learn how to interpret military personnel documents, such as DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, which helps match veterans to job opportunities based on their applicable military experience.
"There's so much talent coming out of the military, a lot of which these companies can take advantage of," she said. "We want our veterans to have opportunities outside of uniform. To ensure this happens, we plan to give companies the information they need to put Service members to work."
Additionally, companies will receive information about the Armed Serviced Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB, transitioning from military to civilian lifestyles, employer support for National Guardsmen and reservists, and education about post-traumatic stress disorder. Gordon said the team hopes to separate fact from fiction about veterans with PTSD, and provide hiring agents information to help vets overcome social stigmas in the job market.
The industry day is part of the state's Virginia Values Veterans initiative, a program designed to capitalize on the state's pool of veterans seeking jobs following their military commitment.
Per the V3 website, the program is designed "to incentivize Virginia companies of all sizes to acquire and retain veterans for at least one year. The goal is to not only drive down veteran unemployment but leverage this tremendous American resource to accelerate Virginia's economic recovery."
Gordon said she hopes to entertain at least 50 organizations at the event. Companies of any size are invited to attend to learn how to become V3 certified. Continental breakfast and lunch are provided to registrants. The industry day runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Are you an employer interested in hiring veterans and want to learn more about how to find the right candidate? Register for the JBLE Industry Training Day by visiting http://tiny.cc/jbleregistration. The Fort Eustis Club is located at 2123 Pershing Avenue on Fort Eustis. For more information about the V3 initiative, visit http://www.virginiavaluesvets.com.