Boots2Work Military Career Fair
Washington - Boots2Work Military Career Fair
Workforce Innovation Submitted By: Workforce Central
Community Challenge/Problem
The US Armed Forces are downsizing and Joint Base Lewis-McChord is no different. Officials at JBLM estimate they will transition 6000 to 9000 warriors out of service each year over the next four years. Many of these servicemembers will stay in the area and need civilian jobs. WorkForce Central developed a solution to mitigate the impact to Pierce County job seekers, business and the community.
Board Solution/Innovation
WorkForce Central, partnering with the Tacoma Rainiers Baseball Club, provides the means for transitioning military personnel, their spouses and veterans to meet employers offering jobs at the Boots2Work Military Career Fair. In addition, a Fatigues to Fashionable show and preparatory workshop were offered. The show models exhibit how men and women who are accustomed to wearing fatigues and a military uniform, can easily dress for success at job interviews and on the job. The workshop prepared them to put their best foot forward, providing insight in interview skills, interpersonal skills, and employment seeking best practices. There was special emphasis on translating their military experience to civilian equivalents. These individuals were given early access to employers participating in the job fair.
Outcomes & Results
In all, 57 exhibitors participated in the Boots2Work Career Fair. The industry sectors represented included healthcare, manufacturing, aerospace, banking and financial services, trucking and transportation, education, logistics and warehousing, retail management, and law enforcement, as well as Veteran service organizations and educational and training institutions.
A big thank you went to the event sponsors: Clear Channel Outdoor Media, Starbucks, MultiCare Health System, Pierce College, ThyssenKrupp Aerospace NA/TMX Aerospace, Wilcox Family Farms, United Parcel Service, and General Plastics.
Dress Barn, Men’s Wearhouse and Gene Juarez provided a professional outfit, tips on how to dress for interviews, mini-make-overs on the spot, and more.
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