Employment services for Nebraska veterans

Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

Having recently marked Veterans Day, I want to highlight one area of support state government provides to veterans and military personnel in Nebraska. One of the responsibilities of the Nebraska Department of Labor is working with veterans and military personnel transitioning to the civilian workforce access training and employment opportunities.

The Department of Labor has 17 veterans' representatives at career centers in Beatrice, Columbus, Fremont, Grand Island, Hastings, Lincoln, Norfolk, North Platte, Omaha, and Scottsbluff, who are dedicated to working with veterans in need of employment and training services.

These representatives collaborate with the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs and county veterans service officers to help identify workforce-related services for eligible veterans that range from vocational guidance to training and education assistance. They work with potential employers in an effort to create new hiring opportunities for veterans. For veterans entering the civilian workforce, their focus is creating a smooth transition to a career in the private sector.

Each of the department's veterans representatives are trained and certified as part of U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans Employment Training Service. The training they receive is tailored to issues regarding veterans' employment.

Whether an individual is entering the civilian workforce for the first time or after a long military career, Department of Labor representatives are experienced in helping veterans find jobs, training and additional education to help further individual career goals. Other transitional services include a wide range of career assessment and counseling, referrals to educational and support services, and assistance with online applications, resumes and interview preparation.

The program partners with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in a Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program to provide eligible disabled veterans with tuition assistance for education and vocational training. State labor officials work with veterans to help identify careers of interest and employment opportunities after their training is complete.

Job fairs targeted to veterans and enlisted personnel departing from the military are held regularly. This year's job fairs attracted a record number of employers and were attended by 1,000 veterans, active duty and civilian personnel.

Many of the companies that participate in these job fairs are military contractors looking for veterans with specific experience related to their military training and work history. As the home of Offutt Air Force Base and STRATCOM, Nebraska has attracted a number of private sector companies who are military contractors for specialized and high-tech missions. These and other innovative companies provide excellent job opportunities for military personnel with specialized knowledge and training.

A complete listing of career center locations and contact information for veterans' representatives can be found by visiting the Department of Labor online at www.dol.nebraska.gov.

Our veterans deserve the very best. The Department of Labor stands ready to honor their service by providing the assistance that can help ensure a productive career once their military service is completed.