JBLM Job Fair Showcases State Employment Opportunities

JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. - Staff Sergeant Danika Nolan's military exit date is a couple of weeks away, and she's getting ready for the transition at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.


As part of a group of about 30 job seekers, she went to an employing reasonable Jan. 30 that showcased Washington State profession opportunities at JBLM's Hawk Career Center.


"I just attempt to take benefit of all the resources and services that the (Transition Assistance Program) Center needs to use, just to make sure I'm as prepared as possible," she said.


The focus of the task fair on state employment, rather than employment in numerous industries, made it different than others on the setup. Sponsored by the Veterans Employee Resource Group, WorkSource and the TAP, it began with a panel of veterans from state agencies, who shared their experiences and responded to concerns. Following the panel, employers from state agencies were readily available to answer hiring concerns, said Frank Handoe, deputy shift services supervisor for the TAP.


Informational tables represented companies including VERG, WorkSource and Washington State's Department of Veterans Affairs and VA Apprenticeship Program; Department of Children, Youth and Families; Department of Social and Health Services, Community Services Division; and Office of the Insurance Commissioner.


A quarterly event, the job fair is "a low-stress, low-pressure chance to learn what type of opportunities exist here outside your back entrance," stated Christopher Gentz, shift services supervisor for the Directorate of Human Resources.


Additional job fairs like the Jan. 30 occasion will be held May 8, July 10 and Sept. 11.


To prepare for them, "gown for success," bring your resume and practice your elevator pitch, Gentz stated.