Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP)

Primary Mission – Assist Soldiers in Making Appropriate Career and Transition Decisions – Prepare Transitioning Soldiers and Families for a Successful Career Change Associated Priorities – Connect Soldiers to Job Opportunities – Offer Soldiers Opportunities to Network with Private Sector Employers What is ACAP

Extremely Competitive Job Market – National Jobless Rate: 9.1% – West has Highest Unemployment Rate: 10.4% – There are 4.2 Unemployed Workers for every Job Opening Employment Rates for Veterans are Higher than the National Average – Young Veterans Aged Returning from Iraq & Afghanistan have an Unemployment Rate of 22% *Economic News Release: Regional and State Employment and Unemployment Summary (October 2011) Current Conditions

Translating Extensive Military Experience into Understandable Civilian Resume Lack of Educational Degrees, Certifications or Minor Requirements for Position even though they Posses the Skills Networking Skills – What is that?? Interviewing Skills – How to Talk Effectively Educational Background – Undergraduate Degrees and/or Beyond Military Language Barriers Individual Expectations Challenges for Veterans Trying to Compete

Approximately 6,000 Soldiers Transition out of the Army from JBLM each Year In General, Employers Agree on the Top Qualities Soldiers Offer to the Workplace: – Self Discipline – Teamwork – Leadership – Problem Solving Skills – Code of Ethics / Integrity Unique Talent Pool

Military Training Prepares Soldiers with Unique Skills – Security Clearance – Highly Specialized Skill Training – Technical Training Proven Success – Longer Retention Rates – Efficient Performance Under Pressure – Triumph Over Diversity Unique Talent Pool

VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 – Expands Education & Training Opportunities – Improvement of Transition Assistance Program (TAP) – Acquiring Veteran’s Preference Earlier – Translating Military Skills and Training – Tax credits for Companies that Hire Veterans Up to $9,600 for Hiring an Unemployed Veteran With Service Connected Disabilities Up to $5,600 for Hiring an Unemployed Veteran *VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011: House Committee on Veteran’s Affairs Federal Legislation

VOW TO HIRE HEROES - 5 Best Practices -  GET THE WORD OUT: – educate human resources teams about the benefits of hiring veterans (Amazon), and – Figure out how skills learned in the military translate to the work a company does (Boeing) – Hire or designate a military/veteran recruiter and/or outreach person (Microsoft) – Include a veteran working in your company on your interview/hiring panels (General Plastics)  PROVIDE JOB TRAINING & RESOURCES: – Target transitioning service members – capitalize on skills developed during military service and incorporate on-the-job training – Partner with a local community college/university who can help supplement training – Help a veteran employee create a career development plan with your company that incorporates potential use of their GI Bill benefits  TARGET YOUR JOBS TO VETERANS: – Publicize job openings with Veterans Service Organizations (VFW, American Legion, DAV) – Develop relationships with the local military bases to help connect veterans with jobs (JBLM & NBK, NSE), – work with local One-Stop Career Centers (Work Source).  INTERNAL MENTORSHIP PROGRAMS: – develop an internal veterans group within your company to mentor recently discharged veterans,  CREATE A PIPELINE: – reach out to local community colleges and universities to help develop a pipeline of the many, many veterans that are using GI bill benefits to gain employment in your particular area (Clover Park) – Reach out to local military installations and let them know what you need in employees (PSNS & Olympic College)

HB 1432 (Washington State) – Allows Corporate Veteran’s Preference Program – Currently, Washington is the Only State Allowing/Encouraging Private Companies to Advertise and Hire Based on Veteran’s Preference WA State Legislation

Improved Transition Process Begins 18 months From Separation Date With Counseling from Unit Career Counselor Followed By at Least 5 More Individual Counseling At 12 Months From Separation Date Service Member Must Begin Transition Process by Attending TAP Class and Counseling with Transition Counselor There are Four Tracks For Service Members to Proceed With – Education Track – Standard Track – Apprenticeship/Trade Track – Small Business Track

JBLM ACAP on Facebook

JBLM ACAP on LinkedIn

Hero 2 Hired

Veterans Mobile Application (VAPP)

ACAP Workshops Transition Assistance Program (TAP) - Mandatory VA Benefits Briefing - Mandatory Advanced Resume Writing Interviewing Workshop WA State Application Seminar Federal Application Workshop Disabled Transition Assistance Program (DTAP) Small Business Administration (SBA) Course Introduction to Trades Information Session VA Disability Claims Session

Other Ways ACAP Helps Mentorship/Job Shadowing Opportunities – Hire America’s Heroes – Boots to Shoes – Networking Venues Employment /Employer Events – “Brown Bag” Presentations at TAP Class – Job Posting Opportunities in Computer Lab and on Social Media Sites – Employer Specific Career Day at ACAP Center

Participate in or sponsor a networking event: – 1 st Wednesday of the month in Seattle with Marine For Life – next one 1 August, 11-2 at Fado’s Irish Pub – 3 rd Thursday of the month in Pierce County with ACAP – next one 21 June, the Great American Casino – “Brown Bag” lunch network event during Transition Assistance Program workshops – every Wednesday at ACAP Center How to Connect with Soldiers (1 of 2)

Conduct workshops for transitioning Soldiers – “How to:” Interview/ Write a Resume/ Network Provide Mentorship/ Job Shadow Opportunity Employment /Employer Events – ACAP Center Employer Events (Monthly) – ACAP Employment Fairs ( 2-4 per year) – next one 8 NOV at Camp Murray – Company Interview/Hiring Event (As requested) List employment opportunity – ACAP Center/ACAP Facebook page – H2H.jobs Present Company and/or opportunity brief to Career Counselors How to Connect with Soldiers (2 of 2)

Key Points Of Contact Robin Baker – Transition Services Manager: phone , BB Leadership Group Job Fair Team Website:

Questions