SYRACUSE, N.Y., Dec. 6, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Institute for Veterans and Military Families has expanded eligibility to enroll in its Veterans Career Transition Program to spouses of eligible veterans and active duty servicemembers. This new development allows these spouses access to online courses along four professional tracks that will help them gain knowledge, skills and certifications that civilian organizations seek in their employees – all at no cost.
The deadline for spouses and eligible veterans to register for courses that begin in January is Sunday, Dec. 15.
The Veterans Career Transition Program delivers career-focused online training to transitioning U.S. military members, members of the Guard and Reserve, post 9-11 veterans and now military and eligible veterans' spouses. The program is paid for in its entirety by JPMorgan Chase & Co., so participants don't incur any costs or use their education benefits to take part.
"The Veterans Career Transition Program has helped many veterans successfully transition into civilian careers – and that's why we're expanding it to military spouses. Our aim is to position military families for post-military service success. Through VCTP, veterans and spouses can add to the valuable skills they already have and gain additional knowledge, skills and certifications that employers are seeking," said Maureen Casey, Managing Director, JPMorgan Chase & Co. Office of Military and Veterans Affairs.
Program participants select an independent study track or follow education tracks in Professional Skills, Technology or Human Resources – a new course of study that will begin in January.
The new human resources (HR) curriculum is tailored to provide training for a newcomer to the HR field as well as prepare existing HR professionals for the Professional in Human Resources and Senior PHR certification exams, depending on their experience level. The training is certified by the Human Resources Certification Institute, the certification arm of the Society for Human Resource Management.
"In every branch of the Armed Services, you will find troops who have worked in human resources, project management, and information technology. Where they struggle in the civilian job market is with professional certifications that military training doesn't provide. The Veterans Career Transition Program helps veterans and military spouses meet the requirements to fill growing demand from companies for skilled, experienced workers," said Dr. Mike Haynie, Executive Director and co-founder of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families.
In addition to specific coursework in each of the program tracks, students will gain insight into navigating the corporate environment; prepare for industry certifications such as PMP, PHR, Six Sigma Greenbelt, Security+ and others; and work with an assigned Syracuse University advisor who will help guide them through the coursework and employment process.
"I was fortunate to have in-depth evaluations of my resume by advisors, which led to compliments by several employers that I interviewed with. I was able to reach out to advisors for direction and guidance in my job search and interviewing process. It was extremely helpful, and I feel it really helped push me ahead of other candidates. I ended up receiving three job offers shortly after I finished the program," said Kade Ruhlman, a Marine Corps veteran and VCTP graduate.
To learn more about VCTP and to apply online visit http://vets.syr.edu/vctp. The deadline to register for classes beginning in January is Sunday, Dec. 15.
ABOUT THE INSTITUTE FOR VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES (IVMF)
The IVMF is the first national center in higher education focused on the social, economic, education and policy issues impacting veterans and their families post-service. Through our focus on veteran-facing programming, research and policy, employment and employer support, and community engagement, the institute provides in-depth analysis of the challenges facing the veteran community; best practices and serves as a forum to facilitate new partnerships and strong relationships between individuals and organizations committed to making a difference for veterans and military families. Learn more about IVMF at http://vets.syr.edu. For questions about VCTP contact Dan Cohen: dcohen03@syr.edu or 315-443-6898.
ABOUT JPMORGAN CHASE & CO. (NYSE:JPM)
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.5 trillion and operations worldwide. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, asset management and private equity. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, JPMorgan Chase & Co. serves millions of consumers in the United States and many of the world's most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under its J.P. Morgan and Chase brands. Information about JPMorgan Chase's programs for military members, veterans and their families can be found at www.ChaseMilitary.com.