4th of July Freedoms Translate to Job Opportunities for Veterans and Spouses of Active-Duty Military
Freedom is a concept that prevails throughout Chicago at this time of year as we prepare to celebrate Independence Day on July 4th.
In the United States, few things matter as much as our freedom and independence. This includes our freedom to pursue work that is both profitable and rewarding.
The US Military is in charge of protecting our country and our freedoms. Yet sometimes these warriors who sacrifice on our behalf find it difficult to transition into civilian work themselves after their tour of duty is complete.
Since its inception in 2017, the Veterans Back-to-Work Boot Camp created and administered by the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry has provided the training, equipment, and networking opportunities for over 150 former military members to successfully transition into career positions in civilian employment.
The 2023 Veterans Back-to-Work Boot Camp application process is open online through July 10 at www.dpchamber.com. New this year, in addition to committing to help former military personnel with their civilian job search, the Des Plaines Chamber and its program sponsors will be offering assistance to the spouses of active-duty service people who are stationed in the Chicago area.
The training takes place in Des Plaines, but you don't have to be a resident to apply. The program is open to anyone in the greater Chicago area.
The Back-to-Work Boot Camp has already made a major impact in helping veterans earn a place in civilian careers. Adding spouses of active-duty military is a natural way to increase the reach and impact of the program.
The aid packages that participants in the 2023 class of the Back-to-Work Boot Camp will receive are worth over $10,000 each and include professional mentoring, advanced skills development, expert networking training, and a new laptop and software package.
Sponsors for the 2023 Veterans and active-duty spouses employment program include Rivers Casino, American Legion Post 36, Harper College, Oakton College, Daily Herald Media Group, Journal & Topics Media Group, Planet Fitness, Home Depot, Foxtail on the Lake Restaurant, and the Jessica and Timothy Canning Charitable Fund.
Following the 10-week training program, a career fair will be held at the Des Plaines Public Library. The event is open to all job seekers, however, there will be a private pre-fair reception for all veterans and their families one hour before the show opens to the public. These special job fairs have historically led to employment for an impressive number of job applicants.
Applications for the 2023 Veterans Back-to-Work Boot Camp and additional information on the program and culminating career fair are available on the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry interactive website at www.dpchamber.com.