Washington, D.C. — Each year, around 200,000 service members transition to civilian life, often facing challenges like underemployment and unemployment. To support this shift, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has established a crucial collaboration with Salesforce. Through the VA and Salesforce partnership for Veterans, managed by VA’s National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP), Veterans and their families receive the skills and resources needed to pursue careers in technology.
Trailhead: Tech Training Tailored for Veterans
At the core of the VA and Salesforce partnership for Veterans is Trailhead, Salesforce’s free training platform. This initiative equips Veterans, soon-to-be Veterans, and their spouses with hands-on experience and self-paced training modules customized for their needs.
- VA Benefits for Veterans: Guides Veterans on benefit eligibility and steps for access.
- Veteran Mental Health and Resiliency Resources: Expands mental health resources, including access to the Veteran Crisis Line and suicide prevention guidance.
So far, more than 20,000 Veterans have completed these modules, which helps them grow both professionally and personally.
Translating Military Skills for Civilian Careers
For many Veterans and transitioning service members (TSMs), translating military experience into civilian language can be difficult. The VA and Salesforce partnership for Veterans helps service members adapt their resumes and skills for civilian roles, which makes a positive difference in their job search.
“Understanding how to tailor military skills for the civilian job market is essential,” explained Emily Carpenter, a Salesforce advisor. “Our resources make that transition much easier for Veterans.”
RecruitMilitary Events: Networking and Job Fairs
Salesforce also partners with RecruitMilitary, a military-focused recruitment organization, to host job fairs and networking events nationwide. Since 2006, RecruitMilitary has organized over 1,500 events in more than 100 cities. These events connect Veterans to potential employers across industries, expanding their options and career support.
“Networking is one of the most valuable tools in a job search,” shared Michael Nolan, Military Recruiting program lead at Salesforce. “Veterans can rely on their military network along with our resources to find roles that match their goals.”
Additional VA Resources for Veterans’ Career Success
Beyond the VA and Salesforce partnership for Veterans, the VA offers other resources to assist in the military-to-civilian transition:
- Transition Assistance Program (TAP): Provides resources to help Veterans prepare for civilian life.
- Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E): Offers job training, resume assistance, and career coaching.
- Compensated Work Therapy: Supports Veterans with specific needs through vocational rehabilitation services.
With these partnerships and programs, VA ensures that Veterans have the tools and support to thrive in their civilian careers. For more information, visit VA Careers or VA’s National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships.
