LARAMIE -- With Memorial Day just past, the Laramie Chamber Business Alliance wants to share some of the workforce programs in Laramie and the State of Wyoming that are offered to Veterans. There are many existing resources that are open to everyone, regardless of having a military background. However, this article highlights three of the opportunities available for Veterans.

The Marna K. Kuehne Foundation Veterans Services Center

The Marna M. Kuehne Foundation Veterans Services Center in Laramie is a 100% private donor-funded program. The University of Wyoming has sponsored the Veterans program and center since 2010 and in August of 2018, the new facility opened its doors, located on the Student Union 3rd floor, room 300, to better serve the nearly 650 military-connected UW students and families.

“Our Center provides space for group study, private study, student computer lab, lounge area, and kitchen. We offer numerous amenities such as free coffee/snacks/lunches, free tutoring, free printing, Xbox games, large screen TV, connection to various veteran-specific resources and services, and programming to promote community and social connection,” said Sr. Project Coordinator, Marty Martinez.

“Two years ago, our Center was identified as Top School in the Military Advanced Education and Transition magazine naming us in the Top 2 percent of over 600 schools surveyed for services and programming for student Veterans, and have remained in the top 5 percent since then.”

Services Provided:

  • UW offers two (2) Employer Fairs, one per semester, to offer a connection between invited area employers/recruiters and UW students.
  • A concerted effort is made to highlight employers with advertised interest or hiring incentives for Veteran candidates.
  • UW Advising and Career Exploration Services Office also provides free classes/training sessions in resume writing and interview skills.

Veterans Campus to Career is an academic course created to prepare Veterans for the rigors of employment searches and the application process. The course is a COMM III, 3 credit program that incorporates oral and written course work and career field research with off-campus, live testimonials and discussion from local employers, businesses, and employment recruiters. The goal is to increase the Veteran’s ability to identify, relate, and describe their numerous skill sets gained through military service, but to also share this through updated and relevant language and communication methods.

“Not only will our course assist the student to create a resume but teaches the importance of tailoring and specifying critical skills and talents and then to further communicate these during the personal interview process,” said Martinez.

“We feel our course is unlike anything else on our campus or within our community. This was our first semester to offer the course and our students provided shining reviews.”
The course is currently scheduled to be offered each spring semester.

Visit the website at http://www.uwyo.edu/vetservices/ for more information.

Wyoming Department of Workforce Services

The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services Employment and Training Workforce Centers offers employment and training services to Veterans from all services on a Priority of Service basis.

“We offer co-enrollment in the Wagner-Peyser and Workforce Innovations and Opportunities Act. These are programs that focus on employment services such as job search, resumes, mock interviews, career guidance and planning, and training opportunities for job seekers to become marketable in the local labor market area,” said the Program Strategy Team Manager, Andrea Hixon.

Services offered include:

  • Resumes and Cover Letters
    Providing individualized assistance with formatting and writing your resume and cover letters. Effectively highlight the skills you’ve acquired and translated them to civilian life.
  • Interview Skills
    Offer mock interview opportunities to assist in your preparation for that job you’re applying for.
  • Job Search
    Offer computers, printers, and internet access to help with your job search. You can learn more about specific careers, conduct online job searches, and download applications – without cost to you!
  • Career Advice
    Workforce specialists understand the challenges of navigating a complex job market.
  • Training Opportunities
    Need to upgrade your skills? You will receive help in determining if you’re eligible for training services. Learn available options based on your experience, employment status, and current income level.
  • Referral Services
    Stop in and see what we can do for you. If we can’t help we will refer you to an appropriate partner service.
  • Priority of Service
    Veterans and eligible spouses are given priority for the receipt of employment, training and placement services. Visit the web site at wyomingworkforce.org/workers/employment/veterans/ for more information.

Troops to Teachers

Troops to Teachers began in 1993 to help transition Service members and Veterans into a new career as a K-12 teacher. Service members that are interested in becoming a teacher will receive the resources to obtain the requirements to become a teacher and then help in finding employment after they are eligible.

The program also provides counseling and financial assistance to qualifying candidates. The military background provides an advanced working application of STEM. The Troops to Teachers program can aid those who are interested in teaching STEM applications to students. Visit the website at proudtoserveagain.com/ for more information.

 

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