veterans

Christie Administration Helps to Link Veterans to Jobs and Resources

The Christie Administration recently joined the American Legion and the Sansone-Woodbridge Military Assistance Center in hosting an employment opportunity and resource fair today at the National Guard Armory on Main Street.

The New Jersey Department of Labor, the New Jersey State Parole Board and the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs staffed the event, which was open to active service members as well as veterans, National Guard reservists and military spouses. The fair focused on connecting the visitors to employers with job openings, and counselors were available to provide veterans and active service members with workshops on resume writing and interviewing techniques.

Additionally, counselors specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder, services for the homeless and criminal justice issues were on hand for veterans needing special assistance.

“This is one of many veteran-focused employment and resource fairs we have lined up for this year, as we continue our goal of finding a good job for every military member and veteran who wants one. We are constantly working on improving the ways we can help the men and women who are transitioning out of military service to secure civilian employment and a prosperous life outside of the armed forces. It is the least we can do in recognition of their service,” said Labor Commissioner Harold J. Wirths.

Dozens of veterans, active duty military members, National Guard and reserve members, as well as military spouses met with the prospective employers. The state Department of Labor additionally provided material to veterans regarding the employment services that can be found at Jobs4Jersey.com and the personalized service offered to veterans at the state’s One-Stop Career Centers.

In Fiscal Year 2014, the Department of Labor served 21,411 veterans at its One-Stops. The department maintains a staff of about 40 veteran representatives, most of whom are former military personnel, who assist veterans in developing resumes that properly communicate their aptitude and skill sets to employers. The representatives also assist veterans with networking skills and match veterans to job openings.

The event was co-sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (DOL VETS), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the New Jersey Committee of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

Related Articles: