The Savannah community consists of servicemembers in the Hunter Army Airfield and Ft. Stewart who retire to the area after transitioning from the military. Veterans not only impact our community, they also make significant contribution to the quality and diversity of our local labor force. Employers must acknowledge and leverage the skills of our servicemembers to effectively implant top talent to their employee base. The most effective way for employers seeking to tap into the local veteran labor pool is to work directly with a variety of local high impact nonprofits dedicated to assisting veterans make the transition to a civilian workforce.
High impact veteran nonprofits not only help the service members and their spouses with basic transition job search skills, i.e. resume writing, interview skills, etc.; they typically go beyond as centers of excellence, by incorporating extra services that are highly valuable to the candidate and employer such as, professional certifications. High impact veteran nonprofits consistently incorporate and facilitate direct interactions between employers and student participants.
SHRM Savannah and the Workforce Readiness Committee seeks to partner with some of the best in class organization in this category. As part of our commitment to veteran focused organizations, SHRM Savannah will routinely have a call for volunteers to who can give of their time or resources to enhance the mission of the organization and experience of the service members participating in these programs. We encourage our members and their employers to support and leverage the relationships and partnerships already established. The hard part has been done for you.. Now it's time to tap into these organizations and leverage the services they provide.Veterans At Work Certificate
Often, despite the best intentions, not all companies and their leadership team are ready to roll out a comprehensive veteran recruitment program. For times when your commitment could use the guidance, resources, and partnership of organizations dedicated to educating your team on the strengths and value veterans bring to your labor force the following organization and programs can provide a helping hand.
Have you been working on launching a veteran focused talent acquisition strategy for your company but have been struggling with your confidence in knowledge and direction for the program? The SHRM Veterans at Work Certificate Program may be the right solution for you. The SHRM Foundation Veterans at Work Certificate is completely free and open to all. You do not need to be a SHRM member, and you do not need to hold a SHRM credential to earn this certificate. For SHRM certified professionals the program provides 10 CEUs towards your certification.
Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)
ESGR, is a Department of Defense program that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the Reserve Components through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws. It also aids in resolving conflicts between the Service members and their employers.
With ESGR committees in each state, ESGR representatives are able to help employers forge a stronger bond between the company and the service members. As part of the organizations work, there are employer recognition programs that help employers brand as military friendly employers.
USO
USO Transitions operation works with strategic partners to connect service members and military spouses to resources within these focus areas: employment, education, financial readiness, veterans’ benefits, housing, legal, family strength and wellness and volunteerism.
USO Transition Specialists can support service members up to 12 months prior to transition and extend that support for up to 12 months beyond their date of separation from the military through personalized, one-on-one support. Additionally, military spouses, National Guard, and reservists can receive support at any point during the service member’s career. With sites located across the country, the USO Pathfinder program connects people to resources and opportunities before they separate as well as at their point of destination.
Through the creation of an individualized action plan, Transition Specialists collaborate with individuals to identify their personal and professional goals and build a roadmap to achieving those goals, identifying services and resources that are the best fit for their needs and geographic location. In 2019, more than 10,000 action plans were completed by service members and spouses.