Indiana Ironworkers’ Post

This week, we at VIVO Defence Services have told the stories of a number of our amazing apprentices – and on the last day of #NationalApprenticeshipWeek we want to highlight something a little different…how ourselves and our supply chain partner BJF Group have helped army apprentices by giving them work placements. In a collaboration that blends military expertise with civilian projects, we have given seven Royal Engineers from HM Forces (ARMY) Corps of Royal Engineers ) placements at bases such as HMS Collingwood, HMS Excellent, HMS Sultan and Tidworth Garrison. They have worked on facilities management jobs and helped tackle new project works. And, undoubtedly, all of those – who are from 26 Engineer Regiment - demonstrated incredible versatility and adaptability. Pictured are six of the engineers that took part. Of the seven in total, four of them have successfully completed their apprenticeships now and the remaining three are gearing up for their End Point Assessments. Staff Sgt Myles Purchase, spokesperson for 26 Engr Regt, expressed pride in the engineers' accomplishments, stating, "These external work placements signify the regiment's dedication to providing our engineers with opportunities that transcend their military roles. The collaboration with industry leaders not only enriches their skill set but also strengthens the bridge between military and civilian sectors." "We are immensely proud of our Royal Engineers apprentices who have excelled during their external work placements. Their dedication and achievements underscore the regiment's commitment to fostering a skilled and versatile workforce." Both ourselves at VIVO and BJF Group really value providing work placements for members of the military as it helps increase their skill sets and trade knowledge, which will also help them when they seek work when they move back into civilian life. #military #RoyalEngineers #BritishArmy #NAW2024 #SkillsForLIfe #construction #FacilitiesManagement #SocialValue

If apprenticeship programs are meant to be successful programs within the US military, they should also be successful programs within the civilian population as long as they have the right structures & the right leadership to lead, train, operate, & manage the quality & success of a program.

‼️ “The Commander’s Dilemma ‼️ The military’s insufficient emphasis on transition is manifested in its most crucial form among commanders, or those individuals tasked with leading military operations, organizations, and personnel. ❇️ In short, supporting transition conflicts with these commanders’ primary and most essential responsibility—maintaining mission readiness. ❇️ When service members are valuable contributors to their units, the need to keep them on duty can seem of greater importance to a commander than the service member’s post-military future. ⚠️⚠️⚠️ One example of this dilemma relates to service members’ participation in a Department of Defense (DoD) program such as SkillBridge, which provides participants with work experience through job training, internships, or apprenticeships. … Some service members report that commanders deny SkillBridge requests because of the importance of maintaining mission readiness, although data documenting reasons for such denials has not been systematically collected. A recent report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO)27 found that service members face similar barriers when seeking access to the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), which may explain why so few complete this required program on time.” ⁉️See comments for solutions from the VJC

It's never too early—or too late—to prepare for your #civiliancareer. And as a recent article in Military.com points out, there are multiple certifications you can earn to highlight your transferable skills. If you're a #militaryveteran or service member planning your next career, be sure sure to check out the FREE certification programs listed below: 1. Military COOL 2. United Services Military Apprenticeship Program 3. American College of Financial Services 4. Act Now Education's "3 CERT" 5. Act Now Education's "CERT2SUCCESS" 6. NPower 7. Onward to Opportunity 8. Purdue University Northwest 9. Agile for Patriots For details and links to these programs, go to https://loom.ly/4gepRnU #SaturdaySalute #HireAVet Image: A man sitting at a desk, holding a pen and reading coursework, along with the words "Saturday Salute"

WE WANT YOU HERE! Join ACT NOW EDUCATION to get help with your plan for success. What is ACT NOW Education? ACT: Apprenticeship | Certification | Training NOW: No Opportunities Wasted! ACT NOW Education is here to guide you and give you the tools you need to reach your goals. Whether you're planning your career, starting a business, looking for a job, getting certifications, doing apprenticeships, or leaving the military, we're here to help you in the right direction. #All #ActiveDuty #TransitioningMilitary #MilitarySpouses #Reservists #Veterans #ACTNowEducation

It's never too early—or too late—to prepare for your #civiliancareer. And as this article in Military.com points out, there are multiple certifications you can earn to highlight your transferable skills. If you're a #militaryveteran or #servicemember planning your next career, be sure sure to check out the FREE certification programs listed below: 1. Military COOL 2. United Services Military Apprenticeship Program 3. American College of Financial Services 4. Act Now Education's "3 CERT" 5. Act Now Education's "CERT2SUCCESS" 6. NPower 7. Onward to Opportunity 8. Purdue University Northwest 9. Agile for Patriots For details and links to these programs, see the link in the first comment. #SaturdaySalute #HireAVet Image: A man sitting at a desk, holding a pen and reading coursework, along with the words "Saturday Salute"

Wow. 🙁 Please share if you can, so we can figure out how best to support our retiring Army personnel and help them enter the civilian workforce in the smoothest way possible. Thank you 🧡 "In a surprising and contentious move, some #Army commands are now denying #retirement-eligible soldiers the opportunity to participate in critical career transition programs, citing Army Regulation 600-81. These programs, designed to ease the transition from military to civilian life, include the Career Skills Program (#CSP) and the Department of Defense (DoD) #SkillBridge program. While these initiatives provide soldiers with valuable opportunities for pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, employment skills training, and internships, interpretations of the regulation is leading to the exclusion of a significant group of service members. This article delves into the specifics of #ArmyRegulation600-81, its intended purpose, and the troubling trend of barring retirement-eligible soldiers from participating in these essential programs." Thank you Rate My Skillbridge for the information and keeping our TSM updated. https://lnkd.in/eMy_erdi

I was just having this conversation with a few people the other day. The Marine Corps is just implementing a written policy for what the other services have been doing quietly--Limiting SkillBridge. But when your organizations are at 76% strength or less (more) and you have a mission to perform (the one the American taxpayers are paying for) something has to give....SkillBridge will be the first. And before you go there I am a huge fan of SkillBridge...but I am also a realist--->What we are witnessing is the slow decline and ultimate phasing out of the DoD SkillBridge program as we know it. I have been saying this for a few years now and you can argue all day but the program as is, is not sustainable nor will it survive as is. I am also not a fan of using rank to determine who gets SkillBridge (I know it is done quietly as well.) The assumption being made is that senior enlisted and officers do not need to use it to make the transition. Nonsense. They need it as much as the junior enlisted need it. There is no rank in the transition. True, some (junior enlisted and officer) will have it easier but that goes for anything in life. The transition is the transition and it does not know rank. https://lnkd.in/enWXy676

The ASVAB, or Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, is a multiple-choice test administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command (MEPCOM) to assess an individual’s aptitude for various military occupations. The benefits of the ASVAB include: 1. Career Exploration: The ASVAB helps individuals explore different career options within the military by assessing their aptitude for specific job roles. 2. Job Placement: Based on the ASVAB results, individuals are matched with military occupational specialties (MOS) that align with their skills and abilities. 3. Enlistment Eligibility: The ASVAB determines an individual’s eligibility to enlist in the military by assessing their academic and cognitive abilities. 4. Training Opportunities: The ASVAB results can determine eligibility for specialized training programs within the military, providing individuals with valuable skills and qualifications. 5. Scholarship Opportunities: High ASVAB scores may make individuals eligible for scholarships and financial incentives offered by the military. 6. Personal Development: The ASVAB helps individuals identify their strengths and weaknesses, providing insights into areas they can improve upon and develop. 7. Career Advancement: The ASVAB results can influence career advancement opportunities within the military, allowing individuals to pursue higher-ranking positions. 8. Transferable Skills: The skills acquired through ASVAB preparation and military training can be valuable in civilian careers after military service. 9. Self-Assessment: The ASVAB provides individuals with a self-assessment tool to understand their potential and interests in different career paths. #ASVAB #militaryaptitude #careersinthemilitary #militaryjobplacement

If you want to get the edge on your competitors – then hire a Veteran! Whether you're in industry, commerce, or retail, finding skilled, motivated personnel is increasingly difficult. While apprenticeship schemes deserve recognition, there’s an often-overlooked talent pool that can give your business the edge today—military veterans. Veterans bring with them invaluable experience working in complex, high-pressure environments. They’ve mastered cutting-edge technology, adapted to rapid change, and led teams with authority and precision. These are the skills and values that UK industries need to thrive. As National Remembrance Day approaches, let's reflect on how we can honour those who’ve served by giving them the opportunity to bring their talents to the civilian workforce. It's time to #HireAHero Click to read more: https://lnkd.in/ebf-6AmM