Employment

To prepare for your employment search, hand-carry the following important papers with you rather than including them in your household goods shipment:

• Resumes
• Position Descriptions
• Official School Transcripts
• Standard Form 50 (Notification of Personnel Action)
• DA Form 5433-R (Verification of Overseas Employment for Noncompetitive Appointment Under EO12721 and Executive Order)
• Copy of Civilian LES
• Copy of Spouse's Orders
• Standard Form 50 (Notification of Personnel Action supporting Leave Without Pay)

Any questions can be directed to Employment Readiness at (410)-278-2435.

There are programs in place on the installation to provide assistance with employment on and off post. When you arrive at Aberdeen Proving Ground, contact the Army Community Service Employment Readiness Program for employment search assistance. If you are not authorized to be employed in the United States, contact Immigration and Naturalization for assistance.

The Employment Readiness Program (ERP) assist Family members, who are relocating as a result of a military or civilian sponsor's PCS orders, by providing information, and other supportive services, necessary to minimize the employment problems, associated with such moves. Check with ACS and Civilian Personnel Office (CPO) for spouse employment information. ACS offers, resume writing assistance, computer lab with internet access and employment private sector job bank with current job vacancies. ERP offers annual Job Fairs.

For over 40 years, Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command, the U.S. Army Research Laboratory and other Army high technology organizations have attracted hundreds of private contractors to the greater Aberdeen area. Employment preparation and selection take a considerable amount of time and work!  When you are ready to start your employment journey, let the Army Community Service Family Employment Readiness Program be your first stop! You will find eager representatives to assist you. For specific information, contact Army Community Service Employment Readiness Program Manager at 410-278-2435.

Employment Prospects

There is a rapidly changing employment environment at Aberdeen Proving Ground, but being adequately prepared for your employment search and knowledgeable about the employment climate in the area are two very good ways to land a job quickly and smoothly.

The following employment categories may be considered in the Harford County (Aberdeen Proving Ground) area:

• Appropriated Fund (Federal)
• Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF)
• AAFES (PX/Main Exchange)
• Defense Commissary Agency (DECA)
• Federal Contract Positions
• Private Business/Industry
• Business Directories
• City and State Positions

Looking for ways to afford college? Financial aid is available at many of the Colleges and Universities on/off post to help you meet your financial needs. There are many forms of financial aid available: grants, scholarships, loans and Federal Work-Study. You may be eligible for one or more of these types of aid. The financial aid staff will work with you to determine what aid you may qualify for and to help you apply. To learn more about the different financial aid programs available and to determine if you may be eligible. For more information contact the APG Education Services Specialist at 410-306-2042/DSN 312-458-2042.

MyCAA

For information on MyCAA and Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, visit Military OneSource.

Unemployment insurance is a program paid for by employers and your tax dollars when you're working. If you lose your job and it's not your fault, you could qualify for these short-term benefits. These benefits can support you while you're looking for another job. You should file for Unemployment Benefits right away! There is no reason to feel guilty or embarrassed about filing for unemployment benefits. These are benefits that your taxes helped to pay for when you were working.

Qualifying for Unemployment Benefits --Find out if you can qualify for unemployment insurance.

Applying for Benefits --You apply for unemployment benefits at your local state unemployment agency. Your weekly benefit check depends on what state you live in and how much money you made while you were working.

How Long You Can Get Benefits --If you qualify for unemployment insurance, you can receive checks for up to 13 months (or 52 weeks). The number of weeks you can receive a check depends on how much you earned during your "base period." The amount of benefits you get depends on how much money you made in the 12 months before losing your job. When you're approved, you'll get a check once a week while you're looking for work. To get the checks, you must prove that you're looking for work.

Losing Benefits --Several things can disqualify your eligibility. Discover the do's and don'ts here.

For more information about Unemployment Benefits, you may visit their website.

The major employers in Harford county are Aberdeen Proving Ground, healthcare, hotels, chemicals and allied products, furniture and fixtures, and restaurants. Several major companies have made Aberdeen their home and offer employment opportunities as well.

Employment

APG is Harford County's largest employer and one of the largest employers in the state of Maryland. Unemployment rate is 7.60%. Median household income $64,025.

Helpful Links

• Army Community Service--410-278-2435
• Civilian Personnel Office
• Susquehanna Workforce Center --410-939-4240
• Cecil County Workforce Center --410-996-0550
• Maryland Workforce Exchange (jobs website)
• Care Civilian Assistance and Re-Employment
• USAJOBS - The Federal Government's official employment site