FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
The Fort Eustis Army Career and Alumni Program hosted its first career expo of the year, Jan. 22.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, unemployment in Virginia ranked No. 13 in the U.S., and had a 5.4 percent rate in November 2013. ACAP plans to play a part in decreasing those numbers among Service members by providing resources for educational and career opportunities.
The expo, held monthly, helps transitioning Service members and their families by serving as a networking opportunity to speak with employers in the local community, college recruiters and other transitional service providers. "These expos help the transitioning Service members market themselves," said Reba Gordon, ACAP transitions services manager. "It helps them reflect on their skills and teaches the values of networking and research."
More than 250,000 Service members separate from active duty each year and face numerous challenges as they transition to civilian life , such as difficulties obtaining and maintaining employment after the military.
"Service members and employers both benefit from these expos," said Gordon. "There are a variety of opportunities for Service members to come out and speak with."
"Workshops like this help build confidence when speaking with prospective employers and college representatives," said U.S. Army Master Sgt. Kimberly Byers, 93rd Signal Brigade information technology specialist. "It lets us know what they are looking for and how to build a resume. We benefit by being able to talk with representatives about job opportunities in the local area."
Shelby Simmons, Martinsburg College representative, said the opportunity to attend the expo was gratifying.
"It's rewarding to give back," said Simmons. "It's [very important] to provide Service members with educational resources [as they prepare to go] into the civilian workforce."
For those heading for retirement or separation, ACAP also offers classes and workshops to help gain knowledge of what to expect in the civilian sector.
Along with the career expo, ACAP teaches Service members skills in resume building, financial planning and interviewing techniques.
Gordon said ACAP career expos help Service members develop a plan and execute it.
"We want to get Service members prepared for life outside the military," said Gordon. "These career expos are a start to being successful in the private sector and beyond."
The ACAP office at Fort Eustis is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information on ACAP services, please visit www.acap.army.mil.