Talent Investment Agency offers assistance to connect veterans with in-demand jobs

LANSING, MI, November 6, 2017 — Military veterans are highly skilled and trained, possessing many valuable skills such as teamwork, leadership and technical skills. Individuals with these talents are vital components of the talent pool needed to fill the many in-demand jobs here in Michigan. The Talent Investment Agency (TIA) is working daily to connect our Michigan veterans with the training and other assistance needed to develop new careers as they return to our communities after active military service.

As Veterans Day approaches, TIA recognizes the many sacrifices made by our valued veterans and their families. This recognition occurs every day through the many training and employment services provided by the entire TIA team, and through our many partners, including our Michigan Works! teams, across the state. In honor of Veterans Day, TIA will be highlighting all week the variety of services available specifically to our veterans to increase awareness of how we can help, and reemphasize our commitment to providing outstanding customer service.

“Time and time again, we have seen veterans exceed employer expectations,” TIA Director Wanda M. Stokes said. “Veterans bring unique qualities to the workforce such as a commitment to teamwork and diversity, leadership and technical skills. Employers with hard-to-fill jobs should look to veterans and their skills.”

TIA programs and resources designed to assist veterans leverage their talents and skills to develop new careers include:

• The MiTalent.org website has a dedicated section aimed at helping veterans find jobs, with links to other benefits. The page also includes links for programs aimed at employers looking to hire veterans.
• Michigan Works! offers workshops and training to increase chances for finding employment.
• The Michigan State Approving Agency is located within TIA and approves education/training facilities to allow veterans and other eligible dependents to make use of their GI Bill benefits in Michigan. The state has more than 700 approved educational institutions, apprenticeship training and on-the-job training sites offering training to military personnel, veterans and others who are eligible.
• Our new career Pathfinder tool, which is at pathfinder.mitalent.org.
• TIA has Veterans Career Advisors, located in Michigan Works! Service Centers dedicated to helping veterans overcome potential barriers to employment.
• Veterans and spouses are eligible for a priority of services for a variety of Michigan Works! programs. For more information call: 1-800-285-WORKS (9675).
• Veterans may be eligible for VA education benefits while participating in approved apprenticeship programs.
• TIA’s Veterans Employment Services Facebook page provides information on veterans’ services, programs and employment opportunities throughout Michigan.