Tag: Veteran Jobs

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Sigma Forces Offers Career Help and Free Courses for Veterans and Military Spouses

Sigma Forces for Veterans and Military Spouses

Sigma Forces is a military spouse-owned, veteran-owned, globally accredited training provider of professional education and certifications. They offer courses and other career help and state that their mission is to “reinFORCE the next generation of industry leaders with a trusted and seamless pathway to professional development using best-in-class training programs, backed by unwavering community support. Success for us looks like seamlessly equipping individual learners, corporations, and nonprofit organizations with the resources needed to succeed.”

How does Sigma Forces work?

The first thing you would do is decide on your course, enroll, and receive access to your training portal. Second, you would complete your training and take your exam online, and then receive your digital certificate and your badge.

What courses does Sigma Forces offer?

Sigma Forces offers the following courses:

  • Marketing and Sales –  is knowing what the customer needs and showing them the products as well as the buying and selling of the product. A couple of examples of the courses are: SMstudy® Certified Marketing Strategy Fundamentals and NGstudy® Certified Negotiation Associate.
  • Scrum – is an agile project management framework that helps teams structure and manage work with values, principles, and practices. A couple of examples of the courses are: Scrum Fundamentals Certified (SFC™) and Scrum Master Certified (SMC®)
  • Lean Six Sigma –  is a fact-based data-driven philosophy of improvement that values defect prevention over defect detection. A couple of examples of the courses are: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB™) and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (LSSBB™)
  • Six Sigma – is a set of management tools and techniques that are designed to improve the capabilities of the business process while reducing the likelihood of error. A couple of examples of the courses are: Six Sigma Yellow Belt (SSYB™) and Six Sigma Green Belt (SSGB™)

They have some courses that are free, and others have a cost to them.

All of the courses are globally accredited and industry-recognized. They are a partner of the International Lean Six Sigma Institute and an Authorized Training Provider of VMEdu®, a global accreditation body for Lean Six Sigma, Six Sigma, Scrum, and Marketing & Sales certifications.

The courses include multiple formats such as videos, podcasts, simulated tests, and mobile. All of the courses are online, are self-paced, and on-demand. They do have a formal partnership with the International Lean Six Sigma Institute and because of that can offer a discounted course price for their instructor-led courses.

What types of career help does Sigma Forces offer?

In addition to the courses, at Sigma Forces you can find:

  • Scholarships – such as Farm 2 Veteran Scholarship Fund, Boots to Books, and V School Forever.
  • E-guides
  • Brochures
  • Videos
  • Blog posts and articles
  • Career readiness workshops – these are free for all US military-connected individuals including military spouses. Some examples would be a LinkedIn workshop or a workshop on resumes.
  • Groups – Sigma Forces offers study groups, group mentors, and workshops.

Why are these courses worth taking?

There is a big demand for these types of certifications in the current job market. Sigma Forces offers a great opportunity for those looking to improve their hireability, whether they are a service member transitioning to the civilian world, a military spouse looking for a career change, or a veteran looking to up their skills.

For more info, please go here.

 

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Free Online Courses & Certifications for Veterans and Military Spouses

Free or Low-Cost Online Courses for Military & Veterans

Are you looking to upskill or reskill to land the job you want? You’re in luck! Several companies offer free or low-cost certifications for veterans and military spouses. Certifications and courses can vary by organization, so we compiled a list for you. Online certifications available for veterans and military spouses include Six Sigma, project management, salesforce, and more.

Free Courses

Sigma Forces

Military-focus

Sigma Force’s certifications and education programs are globally accredited. Sigma Forces is a veteran/military spouse-owned business, giving them a unique understanding of the importance of upskilling and reskilling for the military community. Learn more here.

Courses offered by Sigma Force:

    • Marketing and Sales
    • Scrum
    • Lean Six Sigma
    • Six Sigma

SalesForce Military

Military-focus

SalesForce Military program offers free 100% remote Salesforce courses for military and military spouses. The program covers certification costs, can be completed in 6 months, and the opportunity to participate in a 12-week paid job training program is available to all who qualify. Learn more here.

Courses offered by Salesforce Military:

    • Salesforce Administrator
    • Salesforce Developer
    • Sales Cloud
    • Marketing Careers
    • Salesforce Architect
    • Business Analyst
    • Salesforce Consultant
    • Service Cloud
    • Salesforce Designer

Syracuse University Veterans Career Transition Program

Military-focus

Through Syracuse University’s Onward to Opportunity (O2O) program transitioning military members and military spouses can take free accredited courses. Learn more here.

Courses offered by Onward to Opportunity (O2O):

    • Customer Service
    • Information Technology
    • Entry Level IT Technician
    • Cyber Security
    • Cloud Services / Information Security
    • Business Management
    • Project Management
    • Six Sigma
    • Human Resources

FEMA Independent Study Program (FEMA ISP)

FEMA Independent Study Program (FEMA ISP) offers over 200 free self-paced courses. The courses are similar to military experience, making them a great fit for the military community and first responders. FEMA has its own professional certification. Learn more here.

Courses offered by FEMA ISP:

    • An Introduction to Hazardous Materials
    • Special Events Contingency Planning for Public Safety Agencies
    • Civil Rights and FEMA Disaster Assistance
    • Public Information Officer Awareness
    • Introduction to Emergency Management for Higher Education
    • And More

The USO Pathfinder Transition Program

Military-focus

The USO Pathfinder® Transition Program is available to active duty, reserve, national guard, and military spouses. The program offers 3 professional development courses in partnership with Microsoft. Learn more here.

Courses offered by USO:

    • Skillsoft
    • IBM SkillsBuild
    • Coursera

Career Forward by HOH

Military-focus

Career Forward is a career program offered by Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) for veterans. The program is designed to help veterans get certifications in as little as 6 months. Veterans can enroll in the self-paced Google Career Certificate program to help launch a new career. Learn more here.

Courses offered by Career Forward:

    • Data Analytics
    • IT Support
    • Project Management
    • User Experience (UX) Design

Free or Low-Cost Courses

Chartered Certified Project Manager Certifications (CCPMC)

CCPMC has developed the Military Governmental Educational Advanced Placement Exemptions program that allows for special military exemptions for the MPM and CIPM certifications. If military members meet the eligibility requirements for the two courses, they would be exempt from the training or accredited college degree requirements, fees may apply. CCPMC also offers over 100 certificate courses. Learn more here.

    • Courses offered by CCPMC:
    • MPM Master Project Manage
    • CPM Chartered Process Manager
    • CIPM Certified International Project Manager
    • Engineering Certifications
    • CSSA Certified – Six Sigma Analysis
    • OSHA Safety Credentials
    • And more

Coursera

Coursera is a collection of free or low-cost courses/certifications by 200+ companies and universities. They are not military-focused; However, their courses/certifications are well-known and recommended by many companies. Learn more here.

Courses offered by Coursera:

    • Data Science
    • Health
    • Arts and Humanities
    • Information Technology
    • Business
    • Social Sciences
    • Physical Science and Engineering
    • Math and Logic

Alison

Alison offers over 4,000 accredited online courses. The courses are free to take and self-paced. There is no cost to take the classes, however, users will incur a cost to obtain a diploma or certificate. Learn more here.

Courses offered by Alison:

    • IT
    • Health
    • Language
    • Business
    • Management
    • Personal Development
    • Sales & Marketing
    • Engineering & Construction
    • Teaching & Academics
    • English

Skill Storm – Military Focus

Skill Storm works with transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses to develop their technology career goals. Skill Storm courses are approved for VA funding and offer scholarships for military spouses. Learn more here.

Courses offered by Skill Storm:

    • Introduction to Coding
    • Objected-Oriented Programming
    • Programming in JAVA
    • Data Structures
    • Relational Database and SQL
    • Introduction to Pega
    • Introduction to AWS
    • Full Stack Java Development
    • Introduction to Salesforce

Added Benefit

Not only are you getting a leg up on the competition by upskilling/reskilling for free or low-cost and advancing your career by obtaining certifications, but many of the organizations listed above have employment assistance programs specifically for the military community. Career services include interview prep, resume building, work programs, personality tests, career guides, and more.

 

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Southern Careers Institute

Explore Education Options that Lead Straight to a Career: Southern Careers Institute

About Southern Careers Institute

Southern Careers Institute is a private for-profit post-secondary career and technical education institution in Texas. The school’s eight campuses are in Austin, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Harlingen, Pharr, San Antonio, and Waco. 

Southern Careers Institute offers Associate degrees and Certificate programs in the fields of business, beauty, medical, technology, and trades. You can attend in person or online. 

Texas, compared to the rest of the country, has a slightly lower cost of living. The average rent for a two-bedroom is $1,280, which makes the areas the schools are in more affordable than other places for those with the GI Bill. 

Top 3 Programs and Career Information for military-connected students at Southern Careers Institute

  • Medical Assistant Program – 36 weeks

Career options for a job after completing the Medical Assistant Program

Job Title | Estimated Average Salary

Medical Assistant | $38,899

Phlebotomist | $38,584

Health Records Specialist | $32,631

  • Electrical Technician Program – 4,000 hours 

Career options for a job after completing the Electrical Technician Program

Job Title | Estimated Average Salary

Residential Electrician | $46,223

Residential Journeyman Electrician | $56,358

  • Associate of Applied Science in Management Online Program – work at your own pace

Career options for a job with an Associate of Applied Science in Management Online Program

Job Title | Estimated Average Salary

Office Manager | $81,818

Business Office Manager | $85,196

Most Common Employment Benefits for the Careers Listed Above

  • Social Security
  • 401K
  • Time off
  • Pension
  • Disability
  • Healthcare

Salary and job information from Salary.com.  

Programs at Southern Careers Institute

Visit the Programs Page at Southern Careers Institute for a list of all programs.

Why should I go to a trade or vocational school?

If you decide to go to a trade or vocational school, they often have programs that can be completed within 2 years and will help their students land jobs in their area of study. This allows you to get the education you need and get job placement assistant to start your career off strong. Most trade and vocational schools have partnerships with companies in the local area and around the country to ensure their graduates move on to fulfilling careers after graduation.

Active-Duty Military Members

If you are an active-duty military member transitioning, this route allows you time to use your Tuition Assistance benefits to ensure you have career options after leaving the military community. You can begin the education process 2 years before your projected transition date. Right before your transition or soon after you will be able to get career placement assistance from the trade or vocational school you attended to help land your next career.

Veterans

Using your benefits earned through service is a big decision. Be strategic in where and how you use those benefits. Trade and vocational schools allow you to find a career that is focused and sustainable and are more affordable allowing you to limit or have zero out-of-pocket costs. Not to mention direct connections into the industry of your choice.

Military Spouses

If you are a military spouse looking to find a career that can ensure job security at each assignment, consider exploring education programs at a trade or vocational school. Often education programs at these schools can lead to career paths that can be found on or near military installations around the world.

Ways to Save on Your Education at Southern Careers Institute

  • Approved For the GI Bill
  • Scholarships & Grants
  • Student Success Grant
  • Southern Careers Institute Military Grant
  • Women in Tech Grant
  • Career Opportunity Grant
  • Need Based Grant
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Learn more about Southern Careers Institute, see what programs are offered online, and contact the school directly.

 

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Retirees – Critical Targeting and Research of Organizations and Companies  

Employment Guide: Retirees – Critical Targeting and Research of Organizations and Companies  

When looking for a job as a retiree, you will want to make sure you are writing a targeted resume. Doing so means your resume will stand out and show any potential employer you have exactly what they are looking for. But beyond the resume, you want to make sure you are spending time targeting and researching organizations and companies that you want to apply for. 

What type of organization or company are you looking for? 

The first step is to ask yourself what type of organization or company you are interested in. What type of company do you see yourself at? Here are a few characteristics to think about:

  • Size. There is a big difference between a bigger company and a smaller one. Do you want to be with only a few other coworkers, or would you rather work for a company with 100s or even 1000s of employees?
  • Location. Where is the company located? Are they remote? If they are not in your area, would you consider relocating?
  • Company culture. What type of company culture do they have? What are you looking for? Some companies are more laid back, and others are more rigid. 
  • What is the company’s mission? Is it something you agree with and want to focus on?

How do you find out information about an organization or company?

In order to do your research on different organizations and companies, you can start with their website. You can usually find their mission, a bit about their company culture, and other information that can be useful in figuring out which company to target. You can also search for reviews online or you can reach people you know who may have worked there. 

What needs do they have that you can fill?

Another step to finding the right organization or company would be to ask yourself what needs they have, and how you can fill them. If they are currently hiring, what positions do you qualify for? Which ones are asking for skills and accomplishments that you have? Identifying how you can fill the needs of the company is important. 

Are you the best fit for the job?

You want to make sure you are a good fit for the position you will be applying for. If you like what a particular company has to offer, know that you have the skills and knowledge to qualify for the job, and you also want to make sure you are a good fit all around. 

Do your character traits and career goals line up with the position you are interested in? Can you see yourself working at that company? Being confident in this goes a long way in helping you not only write your targeted resume but also prepare for an interview, and land the job. They might even ask you a question about why you would be the right person for the job and you want to be prepared to answer accordingly. 

Ask yourself:

  • Do you have the right skills and experience for this job?
  • Do you have the right education for this job?
  • How will your experience in the military make you a good candidate?
  • How does your personality make you a good fit?

We also have a vast list of companies to help you during your job search as a military retiree. You have a unique background and many companies specifically want to help you find your next job. You can view the list here and find two examples below. 

  • Ex-Military Careers – who help the military community achieve a successful transition from the forces into a civilian career. They provide support, training, development, and a job board.

  • Mission Box Solutions – which is veteran owned and operated and provides one-on-one support through mentorship to prepare veterans, transitioning military members, and military spouses to be strategic in finding their next career. 
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Retirees – Write a Highly Targeted Executive Resume

Employment Guide: Retirees – Write a Highly Targeted Executive Resume

As a military retiree, one big part of finding your civilian job is writing a good resume. It is important to note that resume writing has changed over the years. What you may remember from before joining the military could be very different. While resumes are still a very important part of finding a job, it’s important that you are able to write a resume for these modern times. 

Writing a highly targeted executive resume

  • You are going to want a highly targeted executive resume. You will want the resume you submit to fit the specific job requirements of each position. Your resume should highlight the skills and experiences you have, including your jobs and skills from the military, that correspond to the exact position you are going for.

  • You will also need to use relevant keywords for the industry you are going into. Companies will and do screen resumes and you would want your resume to be caught in these searches.

  • Start your resume with a summary. This will be a quick view of who you are professionally, the skills you have, and what you can offer a company. 

Military to civilian resume

  • You will need to highlight your achievements instead of just listing your previous job responsibilities. Show potential companies what sets you apart from others. Let them know what you can offer them if they decide to hire you.

  • Avoid action words such as “helped” or “solved” and instead use relevant keywords and phrases. Many recruiters and employers use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) which means the keywords you use are very important. You want to use the right ones so your resume will be recognized instead of passed aside.

  • Your resume format is important. Use bullet points, columns, and lines. Your resume should be one to two pages, and no longer than that.

  • Include your military experience but make sure it’s in a language civilians will understand. Use a military skills translator. You want your potential civilian employer to know what you are talking about.

  • You want to keep some of your personal information off the resume. Don’t include your full address, your age, or your salary. That information isn’t needed on a resume and can give too much away.

  • Use the chronological resume format. Start with your most recent employment and go back after that. You should stick to the last 10-15 years of your work history. Your education would go after the employment section.

  • Include your LinkedIn profile on the resume. If you haven’t set one up, do so. LinkedIn can be a big asset when it comes to finding a job. The app is a great way to highlight your skills and accomplishments and you can easily network with others in your industry. 

Resources to help with writing your resume

On Career Recon, we have a vast list of Recruiting & Staffing Profiles where many of the companies offer resume help. Here are three of them who do:

  • JobPaths – this company has a nationwide candidate database that grows by the 1000s every month. They offer a resume generator.
  • Military-Civilian – this company’s mission is to connect quality job-seeking military candidates and their spouses with civilian employers to fill open positions worldwide. They offer information on resume building, and what you should include on a federal resume. 
  • Purepost – this company is a veteran-owned B corporation that enables instant matching of talents to careers. They offer the Purepost Passport System, which will convert your military experience into common-sense business terms to help you with your resume.
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Los Angeles Trade Technical College

Explore Education Options that Lead Straight to a Career: Los Angeles Trade Technical College

Los Angeles Trade Technical College

About Los Angeles Trade Technical College

Los Angeles Trade Technical College is a public community college in Los Angeles, California. The school was established in 1925, and has a 25-acre campus, with 16,000 students enrolled. Los Angeles Trade Technical College is a part of the Los Angeles Community College District. 

They offer Associate Degrees in Arts, Associate Degrees in Science, and Certificates of Completion in selected programs. 

They have nine different pathways:

  • Applied Sciences
  • Advanced Transportation & Manufacturing
  • Business & Civic Engagement
  • Culinary Arts
  • Construction, Maintenance & Utilities
  • Cosmetology
  • Design & Media Arts
  • Health & Related Sciences
  • Liberal Arts and Transfer Prep

The college’s mission is that it “​​advances communities through pathways to academic, career, and transfer success that empower students to achieve career technical certificates, associate degrees, transfer, and employment.”

Los Angeles Trade Technical College is located in Los Angeles, in Southern California. According to Bestplaces, Los Angeles has a higher cost of living than the national average and the state average. The average cost of a two-bedroom apartment is $2,370, which is quite a bit higher than you might find in other places and can be high for those using GI Bill benefits. 

Top 3 Programs for military-connected Students at Los Angeles Trade Technical College

  1. Associate in Arts Degree in Fashion Design

    This degree program takes two years and provides specialized training in current methods of garment construction, illustration, drawing, pattern making, and grading. 
  2. Associate in Arts Degree in Accounting

    This program takes two years and students will learn how to analyze and apply accounting theory to service and merchandising, employ managerial and cost accounting principles, and apply business laws to the business environment.  
  3. Certificate of Achievement in Associate Preschool Teaching

    This program should take around 18 months and provides training to work with young children. Students will study theories and applications of child development, and learn about lesson planning, and classroom management. 

Programs at Los Angeles Trade Technical College

  • Accounting
  • Administration of Justice
  • American Sign Language
  • Architectural Technology
  • Automotive and Related Technology
  • Automotive Collision Repair
  • Barbering
  • Biotechnology (Biomanufacturing)
  • CAOT – Administrative Assistant
  • CAOT – Information Processing Specialist
  • CAOT – Office Assistant-Clerical
  • Carpentry
  • Chemical Technology
  • Chemistry
  • Child Development – Plan B
  • Child Development Certificates
  • Community Planning and Economic Development
  • Computer Information Systems
  • Correctional Science
  • Cosmetology
  • CSU General Education
  • Culinary Arts
  • Digital Media
  • Digital Media – Digital Video and Audio
  • Digital Media Mobile Application and Web Design
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Electrical Construction and Maintenance
  • Electrical Line-Worker (Lineman)
  • Electronics Communications
  • English
  • Fashion Design
  • Fashion Merchandising
  • Fashion Technology
  • Heavy Duty Truck, Transit, and Equipment
  • Hybrid & Electric Plug-In Vehicle Technology
  • IGETC
  • Interdisciplinary Studies – Arts and Sciences
  • Kinesiology
  • Labor Studies
  • Liberal Arts – Behavioral and Social Sciences
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences – Natural Sciences
  • Machine Shop: CNC
  • Management – Supervision
  • Marketing and Public Relations
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Office Assistant
  • Microcomputer Technician
  • Motorcycle Repair Mechanics-Adjunct
  • Noncredit Certificates
  • Nursing – Registered LVN to RN 30-Unit Option
  • Nursing Registered
  • Operation and Maintenance Engineering – Steam Plant
  • Paralegal Studies
  • Physics
  • Plumbing
  • Process Technology
  • Professional Baking
  • Rail Vehicle Maintenance
  • Real Estate
  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics
  • Renewable Energy Technician – Solar PV Installation and Maintenance
  • Renewable Energy Technician – Solar Thermal
  • Renewable Energy with Energy Efficiency Emphasis
  • Restaurant Management
  • Retail Management
  • Senior Care Technician
  • Sign Graphics
  • Skin Therapy
  • Small Business Entrepreneurship
  • Solid Waste Management Technology
  • Street Maintenance Technology
  • Supply Water and Waste Water Technology
  • Tailoring
  • Visual Communications
  • Welding Gas and Electric

Career Information for top 3 programs at Los Angeles Trade Technical College

Career options for a job with an Associate in Arts Degree in Fashion Design

Job Title | Estimated Average Salary

Fashion Designer | $62,665

Textile Designer | $58,932

Fabric/Apparel Pattern Maker | $51,398

Most Common Employment Benefits for an Associate in Arts Degree in Fashion Design

  • Social Security
  • 401K
  • Time off
  • Pension
  • Disability
  • Healthcare

Salary and job information from Salary’s website.

Career options for a job with an Associate in Arts Degree in Accounting 

Job Title | Estimated Average Salary

Bookkeeper | $42,598

Accounting Assistant | $43,000

Accounting Clerk | $42,916

Tax Accountant | $61,800

Most Common Employment Benefits for a job with an Associate in Arts Degree in Accounting 

  • Social Security
  • 401K
  • Time off
  • Pension
  • Disability
  • Healthcare

Salary and job information from Salary’s website.

Career options with a Certificate of Achievement in Associate Preschool Teaching

Job Title | Estimated Average Salary

Childcare Worker  | $37,4168

Preschool Teacher | $37,690

Preschool Teacher | $33,709

Most Common Employment Benefits for a job with a Certificate of Achievement in Associate Preschool Teaching

  • Social Security
  • 401K
  • Time off
  • Pension
  • Disability
  • Healthcare

Salary and job information from Salary’s website.

Why should I go to a trade or vocational school?

If you decide to go to a trade or vocational school, they often have programs that can be completed within 2 years and will help their students land jobs in their area of study. This allows you to get the education you need and get job placement assistance to start your career off strong. Most trade and vocational schools have partnerships with companies in the local area and around the country to ensure their graduates move on to fulfilling careers after graduation. 

Active-Duty Military Members

If you are an active-duty military member transitioning, this route allows you time to use your Tuition Assistance benefits to ensure you have career options after leaving the military community. You can begin the education process 2 years before your projected transition date. Right before your transition or soon after you will be able to get career placement assistance from the trade or vocational school you attended to help land your next career.

Veterans

Using your benefits earned through service is a big decision. Be strategic in where and how you use those benefits. Trade and vocational schools allow you to find a career that is focused and sustainable. Trade and vocational schools are more affordable allowing you to limit or have zero out-of-pocket costs. Not to mention direct connections into the industry of your choice. 

Military Spouses

If you are a military spouse looking to find a career that can ensure job security at each assignment, consider exploring education programs at a trade or vocational school. Often education programs at these schools can lead to career paths that can be found on or near military installations around the world. 

Ways to Save on Your Education at Los Angeles Trade Technical College

  • Approved For the GI Bill
  • Approved For Tuition Assistance
  • Scholarships & Grants
  • LATTC General Scholarships
  • National Council of Jewish Women Los Angeles
  • Life Lessons Scholarship Program 
  • California Community Colleges Scholarship 

 

Learn more about Los Angeles Trade Technical College, see what programs are offered online, and contact the school directly.

 

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