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NVTI had the opportunity recently to play host to several special guests from Washington, D.C.
As pictured (from left) Ron Drach, Contracting Officers Technical Representative from VETS, Mike Brinck of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Dahlia Melendrez of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and Geoffrey Collver, also of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. Pictured at the far right is NVTI Director, Steve Chapman.
The visit to NVTI coincided with a Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) conference held in Denver, Colorado. Chapman told the group about the history, mission and accomplishments of the Institute. They were able to visit classrooms while training was in session and also enjoyed conversations and insights from participants of the Labor & Employment Specialists (LES) and Promoting Partnerships for Employment (PPE) courses.
President Bush Nominates Ciccolella for ASVET Position
With the resignation of ASVET Fred Juarbe, President Bush announced his decision to nominate Charles "Chick" Ciccolella for that position.
Ciccolella currently serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Veterans Employment and Training (DASVET) at the Department of Labor. He previously served in the United States Senate Rules Committee as Director of Information Technology Policy. Prior to his service in the Senate, Ciccolella served twenty-eight years in the United States Army. He earned his bachelor's degree from Auburn University and his master's degree from Central Michigan University.
As we wish ASVET Juarbe well, we also extend our best wishes to "Chick" in his confirmation process and eventually starting his tenure leading this important department.
The Ultimate Job Search for the 21st Century in Production
We've been telling you about it for months and now it's a reality!
In 1995 NVTI released the first edition of the Ultimate Job Search (UJS). The video series was extremely well received in the field and was even recognized with several training awards. NVTI Media Group Team Leader Greg Davis estimates that NVTI has probably distributed a total of 10,000 sets in that time. Not too shabby! But we're 10 years away from 1995 and styles change, new concepts and ideas are developed and the time has come to retire our old friend, the original UJS Video Series.
Because of strong feedback and encouragement from the field, NVTI, through the University of Colorado's National Learning Center, is producing the new Ultimate Job Search video series right now. "It's not really an update, as entirely new segments are being created," Davis said. "The script is new, the workbook is new--it won't be just the same old UJS with some new things thrown in."
All facets of the new UJS are being developed concurrently. Everything from script development, research and story boarding have been underway since early 2005. The new series will also come complete with a new feature; an interactive, on-line workbook with the capability for trainers and participants to download and print a hard copy workbook.
NVTI's Media Group, which consists of Davis, Joseph Lasky, Cheryl Swears and Amanda Long are working together to pull all the separate pieces together in a cohesive project that you'll be sure to get lots of use from.
This series will include many of the subject areas our clients have told us they'd like to see: on-line resumes, the electronic job search, and other updated techniques and methods. It will be available in a DVD format, but also be offered in VHS for those who still use that equipment in their offices. Of course the advantages of DVD is being able to move anywhere around the series quickly and efficiently. The workbook, available on-line (hard copy too) will come complete with fill in the blank information, including a resume builder, skills identifier, financial fill-in-the-blank forms, mock 'real-life' interview simulations and other great tools with which to assist your clients.
Davis expects the film production work to start very soon. The plan right now is for the series to be available by later this year. Prices for the new UJS has yet to be determined, but be assured that it will be reasonably priced.
Because this has been such an effective, widely used tool in the field, we welcome your feedback. Please complete this short survey about UJS http://nlc.cudenver.edu/ujssurvey/default.htm or e-mail the NVTIMediaGroup@nvti.cudenver.edu. We value the requests/questions/concerns you present us.
Stay tuned! The UJS for the 21st Century is going to be a great addition to your tool box in helping veterans find and keep good jobs!
Recent VETS Testimony
VETS has been busy lately, making many appearances before Congress.
As of June 29, VETS representatives will have appeared before Congressional Committees four times since April. Former ASVET Fred Juarbe appeared once and John McWilliam, VETS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Operations and Management will have appeared three times.
Here are the transcripts of the most recent three testimonies (as of press time the last appearance had not yet happened) in pdf format.
April 19, 2005 (Juarbe) http://www.nvti.cudenver.edu/resources/VETSNET/vol13no2/VETS_Testimony4.19.pdf
May 4, 2005 (McWilliam) http://www.nvti.cudenver.edu/resources/VETSNET/vol13no2/VETS_Statement5.4.pdf
May 12, 2005 (McWilliam) http://www.nvti.cudenver.edu/resources/VETSNET/vol13no2/VETS_HVAC_Testimony5.12.pdf
June 29, 2005 (McWilliam) Testimony will be available in the next newsletter
NVTI Conducts Special Training in Oregon
Challenge: 500+ service members expected to return to Oregon from duty in Iraq and no TAP workshops or trained TAP facilitators to help them.
Solution: NVTI takes TAP training on-the-road to the Salem Army Reserve Base in Oregon .
That's exactly the scenario that NVTI was presented with earlier this year, when Lt. Col. Leah Sundquist in Oregon notified Director Steve Chapman. They were concerned with the lack of any type of TAP program and had no qualified instructors to handle the influx of the impending return of several hundred service members. Could NVTI help? Certainly!
Working together quickly, Chapman, Training Manager Jan Trunce and Instructor and Media Group Team Leader Greg Davis put together a specially tailored TAP session and went to Oregon. Most of the instruction focused on how to set up a workshop, including how to train, organize and put it all together. "It wasn't the typical TAP training we have at NVTI. We wanted to focus on the special needs and circumstances for the Guard and Reservist members," said Trunce. "We were able to pull a training together that focused on the areas that had the most pressing need."
Prior to leaving Denver, Davis had overseen the development of a special website created specifically for the group of Oregon service members. It contained resources specific to Oregon and serves as a way for the returning soldiers to quickly utilize information without a lot of searching. You can check out that web site here (http://www.nvti.cudenver.edu/oregonresource/home.htm). NVTI also developed a poster (http://www.nvti.cudenver.edu/resources/VETSNET/vol13no2/ORposter.pdf) and flyer (http://www.nvti.cudenver.edu/resources/VETSNET/vol13no2/OregonResourceInfo.pdf) to promote TAP workshops at the Salem base.
This project was a joint effort of DOL and the Oregon Guard & Reserve. NVTI may be able to set up and develop a similar training for your state also. Contact us if you would like to discuss further.
Landrieu-Kerry Reserve Fund for Reservists and Small Businesses - article update
NVTI received word that this proposal did not make it through Congress this session.
We apologize for any confusion the release of this information may have caused.
TAP Training Goes Overseas
NVTI and the University of Colorado continue to do their best to get training to those who need it. Doing more with less is something we all are familiar with. One way to get more training to more people is to hit the road. That's what NVTI's trainers have done recently, and will do again shortly.
Many TAP facilitators overseas who were hired by The Native American Management Services (NAMS) need the NVTI TAP training course. Two classes were arranged, one for Europe and one for the Pacific. NAMS is contracted by DOL/VETS to conduct TAP workshops in facilities where LVER staff are not available or when requested by the state plan, and also in other instances.
In May, NVTI Training Manager Jan Trunce and Senior Instructor LeeDel Cohenour traveled to Sembach Air Base near Kaiserslautern, Germany. Nineteen participants, including staff from NAMS, DOD and ACAP, attended the training. The course was just like the regular 4 1/2 day TAP class conducted in Denver. Participants were from bases in Germany, Italy, Spain and the Azores. Cohenour said, "Training was a great and there were a lot of creative training ideas and techniques shared."
July 18-22, senior instructors Bret Anderson and Vaune Shelbourn in Seoul, South Korea at the Dragon Hill Lodge, where approximately 22 participants are scheduled to attend training.
There may be other overseas trips in the future, depending on the need and ability to schedule. "The Germany training was a success, as I'm sure the South Korea trip will be," Trunce said. "Besides bringing participants to Denver, or traveling to them, NVTI is also exploring possible e-learning methods that could be utilized."
NVTI is always researching and looking into providing training as needed to best meet your needs. If you have not done so, be sure to check out NVTI's TAP Facilitator website (http://www.nvti.cudenver.edu/TAPFacilitator). This helpful site contains TAP manuals and other support materials for those who train TAP workshops. Recently, NVTI released a mini-CD to promote the use of this valuable website. Interested in a mini-disc? Contact The NVTI Media Group (email: NVTIMediaGroup@nvti.cudenver.edu).
DOL Announces Grants for Prisoner Reentry Initiative
The U.S. Secretary of Labor, Elaine L. Chao, announced that approximately $20 million will be competitively awarded for projects that carry out the Prisoner Reentry Initiative (PRI).
The initiative is designed to reduce recidivism and help non-violent prisoners prepare for work as they reenter the community. “The President is an advocate of the Prisoner Reentry Initiative because he believes that people who have made mistakes in the past should have a second chance to succeed and be given the opportunity to become contributing members of society,” said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “Successful reentry programs that provide job training and other transitional services, can turn around lives as well as help local communities.”
The competition for grants will remain open until July 13, 2005, with awards to follow. The SGA will seek strategies that draw on the unique strengths of faith-based and community organizations to deliver services to ex-prisoners by providing a link to the communities to which they return.
The PRI is designed to help strengthen urban communities and assist ex-prisoners reentering the community through an employment-based program that incorporates housing, mentoring, job training and other transitional services.
The SGA was developed in collaboration with key leaders from the Departments of Labor, Justice, Housing and Urban Development and Health and Human Services.
For more information on the SGA, please visit www.doleta.gov/sga/sga.cfm or check the Federal Register. For more information on the Department of Labor's employment and training programs, please visit www.doleta.gov .
Stand Down Funds Available from VETS
DOL/VETS has approximately $200,000 available to support Stand Down events.
The maximum award is currently $5,000 per year per event. Effective July 1, 2005, the maximum award amount will increase to $8,000 per year per event. Approved awardees will request reimbursement of expenses after the Stand Down event has taken place.
Applications for Stand Down funds will be accepted from State and local Workforce Investment Boards, local public agencies, for profit/commercial entities and nonprofit organizations, including faith-bases and community organizations.
To apply for the awards, contact the DVET in your state. The deadline is August 1.
Click here for the complete announcement (http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/Stand_Down_Funds_2005.doc).
Military Spouse Career Center Opens
A new Military Spouse Career Center commissioned by the Department of Defense Office of Military Community & Family Policy launched recently.
The new resource connects America's 1 million military spouses with education options, scholarships, training programs, career planning tips and employment opportunities.
The new Military Spouse Career Center offers an extensive job board that includes hundreds of thousands of jobs from the public and private sectors. A list of Military Spouse-Friendly employers is included, and will grow as more employers step forward to participate.
For those exploring career options, the Military Spouse Career Center has a "Career Advice" section outlining a step-by-step approach to career planning. Tools and tips for assessing personal goals, skills and interests are included. This section culminates in tips for job searches, resumes, interviews, and starting a career, as well as, family support resources that can be key enablers to pursuing a career. Topics include career counseling, licensing and certification, childcare and youth programs.
See the Military Spouse Career Center website here (http://www.military.com/spouse).
Resource Center Highlights
You may review, download or order these resource materials at any time. For video requests you must email the Resource Center (rtac@nvti.cudenver.edu) or call (800) 451-5759.
Stand Down Technical Assistance Guide - This 10-page technical assistance guide contains information and evaluations to assist you when organizing a Stand Down in your area. It's always a good time to start planning to help veterans in need. Download this document here (http://www.nvti.cudenver.edu/DocumentDownloads/200307091243390385.pdf).
Stand Down Information - With all the Stand Down news in this newsletter (see above, Stand Down Funds and Good News) it's appropriate to review what the events are all about. Go to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans website and read up! (http://www.nchv.org/standdown.cfm)
2005 Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents - We told you about the availability of this annual resource about programs and benefits for veterans and their dependents on a previous The Buzz section from our website. We still have copies that we can send you! E-mail (rtac@nvti.cudenver.edu) us your name, position and mailing address to send a copy to. Or you may call the RC at 800-451-5759. The handbook is also available for download (http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/current_benefits.htm). Be aware it is a 129-page PDF document.
Good News
LVER Doing Great Work with Veterans - Patrick Martinez is a Snohomish County LVER in the Washington State Employment Security Department. He has been instrumental in designing, launching, and managing his community's veterans employment through a VETS Initiative to expand and enhance the range of services available to veterans. Through his commitment and dedication, the community was able to obtain a Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program grant. Since launching the VETS Initiative in October 2003, Martinez and his staff have enrolled and assisted 494 homeless veterans with individual job search assistance, vocational counseling, pre-employment services, and specialized referrals to partner services. To date, over 190 homeless veterans have found employment through these efforts. Additionally, the 90-day job retention rate is one of the best in the nation, proving that Martinez and his staff have been successful in finding homeless veterans jobs. Martinez was recently honored by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans at their 15th Anniversary National Conference. Kudos to Patrick and his staff! Photo information: Patrick Martinez, center, was presented the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans Department of Labor Staff Award at the NCHV 2005 National Conference in Washington, D.C., on June 3. Presenting the award were DOL Deputy Assistant Secretary Charles “Chick” Ciccolella of VETS, left, and Dr. Charles Haenlein, President of the NCHV Board of Directors.
Tips for Employers - More National Guard and Reserve members are on active duty than ever before. To help civilian employers learn about their roles and responsibilities to those employees, direct them to the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) web site (http://www.esgr.com) which contains plenty of information. Check out this link for specific information for employers (http://www.esgr.com/employers2/employerTips.asp).
Don't Forget "The Buzz" - Remember to check out The Buzz feature on NVTI's homepage. Every couple of weeks or so it's updated with news and valuable information you can use today!
What's the Latest in Veterans' Legislation? - Curious to know what's happening on Capitol Hill concerning veterans' issues? Check out the press releases from The House Committee on Veterans Affairs (http://www.house.gov/va/news/index.html) and U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs (http://www.senate.gov/%7Esvac/index.cfm?FuseAction=Newsroom.PressReleases) for the latest news.
VA and Army Sign Training Pact - Recently leaders of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Walter Reed Army Medical Center signed an agreement giving severely injured service members practical help in landing civilian jobs. Under the "Vet IT" agreement, VA will offer vocational training and temporary jobs at it's Washington headquarters to service members recovering from traumatic injuries at the Army facility. More than 30 Walter Reed patients have already received similar on-the-job experience at VA headquarters since a test of the program began in September 2004.
Wrap Up of 60th Anniversary of the LVER - Tacoma, Washington LVER Sal Cantu wanted to provide a final report on the efforts to get the story of the 60th Anniversary of the LVER out across the country from last year. National proclamations from the VFW and The American Legion were secured, as well as support from other national organizations. Twenty-five state proclamations were issued and 13 other states were in the process of securing proclamations. The U.S. Senate commemorated the event on June 22, 2004 by signing a proclamation ont he 60th anniversary date. If you'd like further information, e-mail Sal Cantu (scantu@esd.wa.gov). Thank you, Sal and all the other veterans' representatives across the country for your efforts!
Recognizing Women Veterans - In March, Washington State, Pierce County vets set up a Women's History Month Job Fair. The even honored women veterans and recognized women serving in Iraq and stationed around the world. Approximately 76 employers and over 900 veterans and job seekers attended the event. Great news!
Successful Stand Down - Glenn Conor of the WorkOne Hammond office in Illinois reports on a very successful Stand Down held last October. Over 100 veterans received services from various agencies and businesses, including VA, Workforce Development, Goodwill, American Red Cross, United Way, Merrillville Beauty college, Southlake Barber School and others. Conor said the event had few problems and was a rousing success. NVTI has a hard copy of the detailed after action report if others would like a copy. E-mail your request for it here (rtac@nvti.cudenver.edu). It's always great to hear of events like this!
Keep us Informed! Did you recently change offices or job positions? Do you know that a co-worker left or retired? We want to know too! We'll update our database and make sure the DVOP/LVER Locator is made current. We don't know unless you let us know. Update here (update@nvti.cudenver.edu).
And what's YOUR good news? Tell us about it at vetsnet@nvti.cudenver.edu.
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VETS NET is a communiqué of the U.S. Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Training Service and is published several times a year by the National Veterans' Training Institute at the University of Colorado at Denver & Health Sciences Center.
Leadership:
Charles S. Ciccolella, Acting Assistant Secretary of Veterans' Employment and Training Service
Stephen A. Chapman, National Veterans' Training Institute Director
VETS NET Staff email: vetsnet@nvti.cudenver.edu
Cheryl Swears
James Deal
Addresses and Telephone Numbers:
US DOL/VETS, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20210; (202) 693-4745
NVTI, 1380 Lawrence St., Ste. 1170, Denver, Colorado 80204; (303) 352-3737
Some hypertext pointers to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations are posted within this e-newsletter. Please be aware that we do not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. Further, the inclusion of pointers to particular items in hypertext is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse any views expressed or products or services offered by the author of the reference or the organization operating the site on which the reference is maintained.
Contact Webmaster - webmaster@nvti.cudenver.edu
National Veterans' Training Institute
ATTN: VETS NET Editor
1380 Lawrence Street / Suite 1170
Denver, CO 80204
email: vetsnet@nvti.cudenver.edu
Phone: 303-352-3737
Toll free: 800-451-5759
Fax: 303-352-3735
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