The finely honed skills learned in military jobs often translate very well to civilian career fields and meet civilian occupational certifications and license requirements. But not enough employers are aware of this. We’ll show you how to get up to speed.
Many civilian employers are unaware of the close match between military skills/training and civilian credentialing requirements.
BASICS OF CREDENTIALING SERVICE MEMBERS
Veterans and transitioning service members often have not had the chance to become licensed or certified in specific civilian-focused areas, despite having received similar training to their civilian counterparts.
Military spouses face their own challenges with moving licensures from state to state.
Veterans’ GI Bill benefits do not cover all of the costs involved in certification and licensing exams.
HOW TO GET STARTED
There are steps your business can take to help veterans and transitioning service members attain their needed credentials. These steps also serve as effective ways to help onboard the skilled workers your company is searching for.
For an in-depth look at how military training meets civilian credentialing requirements, check out this DoD report.
Become more aware of military skills or jobs that transfer easily into civilian requirements.
To help with this, the military branches provide online resources that show common related certifications and licenses based on military specialties.
Here are links to Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) sites:
- Army: (Automated Logistical Specialists (92A) in the Army are well qualified to attain the status of Certified Logistical Specialist with the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council.)
- Navy: (Sailors with the Navy’s Hospital Corpsman (HM) rating meet the requirements for the Medical Laboratory Technician certification offered by the American Medical Technologists.)
- Marines
- Air Force
Include certification assistance as a job benefit.
Certification exams average around $200.
While veterans can often use their GI Bill benefits to cover these costs, along with some preparation expenses, GI Bill funds are not always applicable toward extra costs such as licensing fees.
Promote certification assistance in your job descriptions.
This is a great way to speak directly to motivated, well-trained veterans and military spouses.