Creating a Veteran, Military, and Spouse-Ready Workforce
Creating workforce development programs targeting military-connected talent provides numerous benefits for veterans, military spouses, and transitioning service members, as well as local businesses and governments.
Military spouses face unique challenges due to frequent relocations, spouse deployments, and the need to balance family and career responsibilities. Addressing these challenges can lead to better retention and recruitment within the military community contributing to overall readiness.
Here are some strategies your business and community can implement to improve recruitment and retention of military-connected talent.
- Certification Programs:
- Develop a certification program that meets specific criteria for hiring and supporting veterans and military spouses, including workplace flexibility, mentorship opportunities, and employee resource groups.
- Provide access to educational programs, certifications, and training in high-demand fields.
- Employer Career Counseling, Training, and Education:
- Provide training on supporting veterans and military spouses, including understanding military culture and transferable skills.
- Partnership with Educational Institutions:
- Collaborate to provide training and education tailored to the needs of transitioning service members and military spouses.
- Skills Translation:
- Translate experience into marketable qualifications for civilian jobs.
- Offer personalized career coaching to help navigate job searches and career transitions.
- Service Member Career Counseling:
- Assist service members nearing the end of their service, and help them explore opportunities in the local area.
- Cross-Training:
- Provide opportunities for cross-training to acquire skills for different roles within the company, making them more versatile and adaptable.
- Internship and Fellowship Programs:
- Create opportunities within state government that cater to transitioning service members and military spouses, offering a path to permanent employment.
- Remote Work Policies:
- Establish clear policies to allow working from anywhere, including during relocations.
- Technology Support:
- Provide technology and tools, such as laptops, software, and secure communication channels.
- Flexible Application Processes:
- Implement an application process that includes virtual interviews and streamlined paperwork.
- Flexible Scheduling:
- Enable work hours that fit their schedules, such as part-time or job-sharing options.
- Flexible Leave Policies:
- Offer the ability to take unpaid leave for family or personal reasons.
- Freelancing and Entrepreneurship:
- Provide resources and training for military spouses to pursue freelance opportunities, which can be more flexible and location-independent.
- Military Spouse Networks:
- Establish support networks and community groups with job opportunities and professional development.
- Mentorship Programs:
- Create programs connecting transitioning service members and military spouses with local professionals in their desired fields.
- Targeted Outreach:
- Develop initiatives for military bases and organizations to promote opportunities within state government positions.
- Marketing and Promotion:
- Promote certified businesses through online directories, local events, and social media.
- Job Fairs, Community Engagement, and Hiring Events:
- Host job fairs and hiring events connecting them with local businesses and organizations.
- Leave Policy:
- Implement a policy allowing paid or permissive leave during a Permanent Change of Station.
- Transition Assistance:
- Provide aid with jobs during PCS, such as resume support, job placement assistance, or help finding local resources.
- Housing and Relocation Support:
- Offer resources and assistance for finding housing to encourage transitioning service members to settle in the area.
- Employer Partnership Programs:
- Participate in programs such as the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) to gain access to resources and networks.
- Employer Tax Incentives and Awards:
- Offer tax incentives, grants, or other financial benefits to businesses that hire military-connected talent.
- Federal, State, and Local Government Initiatives:
- Implement hiring preferences for military spouses and streamline licensing and certification processes.
- Military Skills Translation:
- Provide resources to help translate military skills and experience into state government job requirements.
Recruiting And Retaining Military Spouses
SkillBridge Resources
A SkillBridge internship is an opportunity for service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service. DOD SkillBridge connects transitioning service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences.
For industry partners, DOD SkillBridge is an opportunity to access and leverage the world’s most highly trained and motivated workforce at no cost. Service members participating in DOD SkillBridge programs continue receiving their military compensation and benefits, while industry partners provide the civilian training and work experience.
Home Base Wichita hosted a SkillBridge Lunch & Learn for local employers featuring a presentation on becoming a SkillBridge Partner, and a panel of current and former SkillBridge interns who provided their insights on the program.
Watch a video recording of the event below.
In The Community
Wichita prides itself on a strong connection with McConnell Air Force Base. Find out how your business can get involved below.
This program aims to bridge the gap between airmen and young professionals. Civilians will learn about McConnell Air Force Base and the economic impact it has on our community. This program will teach civilians ways they can build a relationship with McConnell and the Wichita community to create a positive impact.
The Friends of McConnell is a civilian support organization affiliated with the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce. Comprised of a select group of area individuals and business leaders, the organization is dedicated to providing a meaningful social and economic linkage between senior military leaders and their metropolitan civilian counterparts.
The Friends of McConnell expresses community pride in and appreciation of the area military by providing organizational and financial support for Commander-directed programs and strives to make McConnell the most appreciated assignment in an airman/officer’s Air Force career. Annual memberships in the Friends of McConnell range from $500 to $5,000 and are available for both individual and corporate members. Special rates are available for retired military and business members.
Follow the FOM on Facebook to stay up-to-date on the group’s activities
The Honorary Commander Program is designed to provide an interactive learning experience that increases public awareness and understanding of the U.S. Air Force, its mission, policies, and programs, by allowing influential civilians to get an up-close and personal look at McConnell and the USAF. In the program, civic leaders are paired with a McConnell AFB commander and invited to participate in a variety of activities held on base. The civilian “commanders” are encouraged to invite their Air Force commanders to share in some of their business activities as well. The program works best when the relationship between the commanders is a two-way street.
Graduates from the Honorary Commander program become part of an ongoing alumni organization of Honorary Commanders and are welcome to continue their participation in base activities. In addition, McConnell has inducted nine local citizens, all long-time base supporters, into the Golden Eagle rank.
