Where Non-Active Veterans Can Look for Work
The next breakout star of “All My Children” will require a resume uncommon to many actors.
That is because ABC (DIS), the network that produces “All My Children,” is looking to cast a veteran to play the role of Brot, a soldier returning from overseas combat service, on the show later this season.
For help, the network is teaming with USA Cares, an organization dedicated to providing career guidance and financial aid to returning veterans and their families. Group members will also assist the show’s writers in creating realistic depictions of life after combat, according to USA Care's spokesman John Revell.
“We want to help them realistically portray the issues affecting veterans, which can sometimes include things like post traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury,” he says.
The casting call is open to all non-active members of the military, but like all other auditions, only one will be chosen. That will not make a dent in the unemployment rate for returned veterans. As of July, 13.4% of veterans aged 20-24 years are unemployed, compared with 10.2% of civilians in the same age bracket, according to data gathered by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Are you a veteran looking for work? Take a look at some online employment agencies designated for veterans.
Helmets to Hardhats
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., Helmets to Hardhats acts as a networking site, connecting veterans with employers in various fields of construction. “Everyone from veterans who are interested in becoming iron workers to those who want to set tiles,” says Gen. Darrell Roberts, the company’s executive director. Each month, approximately 2,000 veterans sign up with the organization. After registration, veterans are usually required to complete an apprenticeship or acquire on-the-job-training and sometimes enroll in classes, the cost of which are usually covered by Montgomery GI benefits.
Hire a Hero
“When it comes to finding a job, let’s face it, it’s all about who you know,” says Rob Barr, the director of operations. This philosophy is one of the driving forces behind the non-profit. Launched in 2006, Hire a Hero has partnered with companies such as Nike (NKE), Bechtel, and Southern Company to help returned veterans seek employment. The company’s site provides users with a chance to network and search a frequently updated job board. Mentoring services are available as well.
Military.com
Sponsored by Moster.com, the “careers” section of Military.com provides returning veterans with opportunities to attend career fairs in different states. (Check out the military career fair calendar here.) Like monster.com, employers can register their companies, for a range of prices that will dictate the packages, and interested veterans can register free, edit and post their resume, and connect with potential employers. Veterans can also seek job-hunting-tips, calculate possible salaries with a salary calculator, and network with other veterans.
Paralyzed Veterans of America
Paralyzed Veterans of America was founded in 1946, to raise spinal cord injury awareness and to work towards a cure. Since last July the organization added career training to its mission. Approximately 110 returned veterans are enlisted in their career training program. “The process of just getting up, getting out of bed, and getting dressed for work is daunting for people who are paralyzed,” says David Uchic, PVA's director of communications. At the career training centers, specialists work on specific skills and connect with corporate funders including Sacramento-based Health Net and Try-West.
USA Cares
USA Cares currently consults with about 140 families a week, Revell says. The five-year old organization also raises money to help returned veterans with living expenses including mortgages and rent, car payments, phone and utility expenses and grocery bills. “Our services extend to all branches of the military,” Revell says.
Related Links:
OPINION: U.S. Contracts in Iraq at What Cost?
