JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
There are times when a level of anxiety is experienced by many military members once their time in the service nears its end and they prepare for civilian life.
For transitioning service members at Joint Base San Antonio, including veterans who want a career in technical fields, the Transition Assistance Program offers a two-day course called the Career Technical Training Track that helps attendees discover the workplace of their choice.
"The average service member joined the military between ages 18 and 22 and the military became their primary, if not only, career experience," Sean Shields, JBSA Department of Veterans Affairs benefits briefer, said.
Participants identify technical career programs, develop a list of required credentials and steps to reach those careers, and become aware of available benefits and possible out-of-pocket expenses with the help of an instructor during the course, Shields said.
"The technical training track addresses topics such as selection of a reputable career and technical training school, the application process from start to finish, and how to use certification finder Web tools and other online resources that identify licensed occupations," Mike Bell, JBSA-Randolph Military and Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant, said.
Upon completing the class, "service members will be prepared to submit an application to a technical training institute, school or program; schedule a session with a program counselor; and connect with a student veteran's organization," Bell added.
The end goal is for transitioning members "to create a plan for success," Shields said.
Since launching last year, Shields said career technical training track participants have been interested in a variety of occupations such as agricultural science, information technology, medicine and motor repair, to name a few.
Members are asked to bring a laptop to class in order to bookmark information. Computers will be supplied if necessary.
The next Career Technical Training Track class is Feb. 18 and 19 at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, March 18 and 19 at JBSA-Randolph, and April 23 and 24 at JBSA-Lackland.
To sign up, call 221-1213 for JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, 652-5321 for JBSA-Randolph and 671-3722 for JBSA-Lackland.
For more information, call Shields at 808-0497