Employment Assistance and Credentialing Programs
Army and Navy COOL: The Army and Navy both offer Credentialing Opportunities
Online (COOL). These programs give
you the opportunity to find civilian credentials related to your rating, or
military occupational specialty. You can learn what it takes to get the credentials and learn
about programs that will help pay credentialing fees. Check out the Army COOL website
at
:
https://www.cool.army.mil/ or
Navy COOL website at:
https://www.cool.navy.mil/ to learn
more.
Air Force Credentialing and Educational Research Tool (CERT): CERT at
www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf/certifications.asp
is a valuable resource for Air Force personnel in increasing awareness of professional development
opportunities applicable to USAF occupational specialties, crosswalks to CCAF degree programs,
national professional certifications, certification agencies, and more.
United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP): USMAP is available to
members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Those who participate in this program are
eligible to receive a DOL Certificate of Completion, which provides an advantage in getting
civilian jobs.
VA Vocational Rehabilitation Program for Disabled Veterans (VR &E):
VR&E is a program whose primary function is to help veterans with service-connected
disabilities become suitably employed, maintain employment, or achieve independence in daily
living.
The program offers a number of services to help each eligible disabled veteran reach his or
her rehabilitation goals. These services include vocational and personal counseling, education and
training, financial aid, job assistance, and, if needed, medical and dental treatment.
Services generally last up to 48 months, but they can be extended in certain instances.
If you need training, the VA will pay your training costs, such as tuition and fees, books,
supplies, equipment, and, if needed, special services. While you are in training, VA will also pay
you a monthly benefit to help with living expenses, called a subsistence allowance.
Helmets to Hardhats: The Helmets to Hardhats (H2H)program lets your military
service speak for itself. The program will help you find career opportunities that match your
military background. Congressionally funded, H2H is the fastest, easiest way for transitioning
military, Reservists, and Guardsmen to find a rewarding career in the construction
industry. Visit:
http://helmetstohardhats.org/ to learn
more.
Library Resources
Your local public and military libraries can be an excellent source of job search
information. Most information of interest to job seekers is located in the reference
section. Most public and military libraries offer access to the Internet. Helpful library
resources include the following:
-
Occupational Information Network the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (O*NET):
This provides detailed descriptions of most occupations. Available online at:
http://online.onetcenter.org/
-
The Encyclopedia of Associations: This lists the addresses of professional and
industry associations.
http://library.dialog.com/bluesheets/html/bl0114.html
-
Dun and Bradstreet and Standard and Poor's Register of Corporations: Both
documents offer information on individual companies and organizations. No website available
for this resource. Check the reference section of your local library.
-
The Occupational Outlook Handbook: This book addresses the projected needs for
various occupations. It may help you choose a career or open the door to a new one. You
can also view the handbook online at:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm.
Libraries also offer newspapers, trade journals, magazines, audio and video cassettes, and
computer software packages that aid in career identification and planning. You may also find
information on state training, employment, and apprenticeship programs as well as statistics
regarding employment availability, economic climate, and cost of living. Your librarian can
show you where to find these resources and how to use them.
Date Last Reviewed: September 29, 2011