Thursday, Nov. 10, 2005
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Says Missouri Joining Federal Program to Assist Veterans Seeking Career Assistance
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today announced that Missouri’s One-Stop Career Centers will be participating in a federal program designed to help veterans looking for good jobs with good wages and those seeking new careers.
The Department of Economic Development’s Workforce Development Division has agreed to participate in the nationwide "Key To Career Success" campaign being launched on Veteran’s Day. The program initiated by the U.S. Labor Department and Defense Department is designed to heighten veterans’ awareness of the services available at career centers across the nation including the more than 40 in Missouri.
"The Missouri veterans who have served our country so bravely have the skills and knowledge that make them an essential part of our workforce and this new program will provide them with the resources to help them find jobs and provide not only for themselves but for their families," said Blunt, a veteran U.S. Navy officer. "I am pleased that Missouri will be engaged in this kind of aggressive outreach and education program to ensure our veterans and transitioning military folks have access to the information they need to enter or excel in the civilian work force."
Through the campaign, a Key to Career Success Card -- already being provided to those leaving military service -- and other promotional materials will refer veterans to Career Centers in Missouri and elsewhere for assistance in helping with the transition to civilian life and employment.
"We are excited about this campaign and look forward to working with you to assist those women and men who have served our country and provide a valuable asset to employers," said Emily Stover DeRocco, the Labor Department’s assistant secretary for employment and training.
The Career Cards will help veterans locate their nearest Career Center and includes the Labor Department’s toll free help line 1-877-889-5627 and America’s Service Locator, www.servicelocator.org. The cards also will allow Missouri Career Center staff to immediately identify veterans and ensure their access to employment and training services.
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