WorkKeys and Veterans:

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• WorkKeys and Veterans
• A WINning Combination
• 4th Annual Southeastern WorkKeys Conference
• Chattanooga, TN
• January 23-26, 2008

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• HomeFront Readiness
• Columbia, SC

Rebecca Smith, MSW, Program Director
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Vision Build a learning and caring community
through the creative use of technology. Mission
Provide technology education and access to those
who have been underserved through traditional
programs.
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The Need for a New Approach

• jobless rates for veterans between the ages of
  20-24 was 15.6 in 2006 more than 3 times the
  national unemployment rate of 5.1
• USA Today, 7/06

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A Demonstrated Need for Homefront Readiness

• In 2005, the Dorn VAMC records indicated that 190
  active duty soldiers came out of the military
  seeking first time civilian employment in the
  Columbia area.
• Columbia, SC has already seen homeless veterans
  from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation
  Enduring Freedom, (2007).

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GOALS OF THE PROGRAM

• Serve 200 people over 24 months
• Individualized plans/training
• Skill development
• Partner with VA and Voc Rehab
• Successful transition to civilian work world

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• Young vets say the militarys job-placement
  programs are well-meaning, but often
  ineffectiveAll the good intentions fail to
  address a central issue many recent vets simply
  arent equipped for the real-world job hunt.
• Time, 5/07

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Homefront Readiness Components

• Personalized job search
• WorkKeys Assessment
• WIN Training
• Technology training 2 ways
• Resume creation/translation
• Network of veteran-friendly employers
• Website/e-mails with job hunting tips, webcasts
  www.communitydiaries.org/sc/columbia

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Community Partnership

• Veterans take WorkKeys at the OneStop
• Determine what scores are necessary in order to
  get the job the veteran desires
• WIN
• View list of area employers who require WorkKeys
• Re-take WorkKeys, if necessary

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WIN Worldwide Interactive Network

• Technology based preparation for WorkKeys
  assessment.

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www.wincareers.com

• Career Alignment
• - Search by job description to determine
  WorkKeys scores necessary to obtain a specific
  job, or enter WorkKeys scores to find specific
  jobs that match qualifications.

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JOBS, JOBS, JOBS

• Over 65 of people get their jobs through
  networking. . .
• www.monster.com

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Network of Employers Using WorkKeys

• City of Columbia
• Becton-Dickinson
• Bose
• Colonial Life
• FN Manufacturing

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NEW BEGINNINGS
Translating military skills to civilian life
At Eagle Aviation, Will Tomcik and Ryan Ross
found a way to use their expertise.  
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WorkKeys Makes Sense for Veterans

• Most vets have been out of school for a while
• Many do not have a 4-year degree
• Many have money to go back to school, but need to
  brush up on skills

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Back to School
Returning to college or just beginning, veterans
are making great students. WIN is helping them
make the transition.
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Earnest practices on WIN before taking the
WorkKeys Applied Technology, Observation, and
Locating Information sections. Earnest is
applying for a job as a welder the employer
requires these WorkKeys tests.
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Mike, a volunteer tutor, uses WIN Applied Math to
help Gavin get ready for math at the University
of North Carolina.
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Rebecca Smith, MSW Homefront Readiness
Director 3223 Devine Street Suite 3 Columbia, SC
29205 [phone] becca_at_fastforwardctc.com
On the Web www.fastforwardctc.com And
www.communitydiaries.org/sc/ columbia