Employment

Hampton Roads, with only a 2.2% unemployment rate, possesses a broad and competitive job market within the military, municipalities, financial institutions, retail and service industries.

Virginia's minimum wage is $12.00 per hour. Some examples of current wages in the area are:

• Clerical: $12.00 - $19.36/hour. Bilingual skills, advanced computer skills and/or certification may command higher hourly rate.
• Unskilled Labor: $12.00 - $16.00
• Teachers: $32,800 - $85,000/year, median is $52,000
• Professional (White collar): $30,000 +

Transition Assistance Program

Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is a mandatory Department of Defense workshop for retiring or separating military members who are making the transition to the civilian sector. The workshop provides instruction on skills identification, resume preparation, interview techniques and veterans' entitlements. Uniform of the day is required. Spouses are welcome to attend as space permits. Contact your command career counselor for a quota, your TAP class location and workshop prerequisites to attend.

For additional information, please call 757-444-3522/6089, fax 757-444-6095, or email tapquotas@navy.mil.

Managing My Education (Higher Education TAP Track)
This two-day workshop is geared toward transitioning service members who plan to pursue higher education. The courses are designed to assist participants in developing educational goals and to assist with the admission process. Course curriculum includes instruction on identifying information related to federal financial aid, the Application for Federal Student Aid, online resources to assist in college and program selection, information on veteran support clubs and organizations at certain institutions, college progression and associated costs, and best practices on adult and virtual learning.

Career and Credential Exploration (Vocational TAP Track) 
Career and Credential Exploration (C2E) is a two-day career track facilitated by The Department of Labor. C2E offers a unique opportunity to identify skills, increase awareness of training and credentialing programs, and develop an action plan to achieve career goals. Participants will complete personalized career development assessments of occupational interest and aptitudes to utilize when analyzing a variety of career considerations, including; labor market projections, education, apprenticeships, certifications, and licensure requirements.  Participants will also learn how to narrow their career focus by establishing achievable career goals and development strategies.

Boots to Business (Entrepreneurship TAP Track)
Boots to Business is a two-day training provided by Small Business Administration partners, which may include Small Business Development Centers, Service Corps of Retired Executives, Veterans Business Outreach Centers and Women Business Centers to focus on feasibility analysis for business planning for transitioning service members interested in self-employment. Participants will walk away with a completed feasibility study of their own business concept that will serve as the basis for launching a new venture and for future business planning efforts.

Transition and Employment Workshops

Call FFSC at 757-462-7563 or 757-422-7311 to register for all Transition and Employment Workshops

My Navy Career Options (NCO)
The 16-hour Standard for Career Readiness course was developed to provide Navy command career counselors and FFSC staff the opportunity to guide first-term and mid-career sailors through their career opportunities available in the Navy and in the civilian sector. My NCO is a Military Life Cycle tool designed to enable service members to identify their skills and talents, develop long-term professional and personal goals, plan for personal financial stability, research civilian skills and qualifications and establish long-term planning objectives. The modules listed below can be presented in its entirety or by individual modules by FFSC staff or command career counselors. FFSC staff can provide this training at commands upon their request.

Module 1:  Personal and Professional Assessment
Module 2:  Navy Career Options
Module 3:  VA Benefits
Module 4:  Financial Planning
Module 5:  Civilian Career Options
Module 6:  Developing a Professional Network

VA Disability Benefits Review
This day-long workshop sponsored by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services and the Fleet and Family Support Center is for service members who are within 60 days to six months of retirement or separation. Class participants will learn how to review service medical records, identify medical conditions that may lead to a compensable disability rating, request vocational rehabilitation benefits and training.

Career Planning
Whether you are looking for a job or information on career planning, learning through self-assessment will enhance your chances in finding satisfying employment. In this three-hour workshop, you will be guided through career choices based on life goals, personal skills, abilities, preferences and work values. 

Effective Resume Writing
These days, only a top-notch resume will get you an interview. Learn how to market your skills, knowledge, accomplishments and experience with an impressive resume. This single-session workshop also includes tips on translating military terminology.

The Federal Employment System
In this single-session workshop, gain the advantage in your job search with the federal government by learning how to find vacancies and job listings, complete the application process and understand standard qualifications and testing requirements. 

Interview Techniques
Want to feel more confident at your next job interview? This single-session workshop teaches you how! Topics include positive answers to difficult questions, dressing for success and the importance of body language and positive attitude. Interview follow-up and salary negotiations are also discussed.

Job Network
Job Network is a bi-monthly, one-hour employer panel comprised of three human resources personnel. Ask local and national employers what they like to see on resumes and how to prepare for interviews. Find out about open positions, their application process and what benefits are available. Transitioning and separating service members and military family members are invited to attend.

Job Search Strategies
Learn more about the crucial steps in the job search process. This single-session workshop covers everything from assessing the hidden job market to finding a job long distance, including job searching on the internet. Many of the resources and services available to job seekers are also discussed, including major employers in the Hampton Roads area and the Virginia Employment Commission.

Family Employment Resources

The Family Employment Readiness Program provides no-cost consultations, programs and services to help families in the job search process. Consultants are available to guide spouses and family members on career planning, job seeking and resume writing, as well as to help them prepare for interviews and negotiate offers.

And don’t forget about volunteering. It is a great way to learn new skills, create important networks and gain experience while contributing to the community.

Spouse Education and Career Opportunities consultants provide professional guidance to military spouses on careers, education and training, employment readiness and career connections.

Search for jobs online using the Military Spouse Employment Partnership website, which connects military spouse-friendly companies with jobs to military spouses seeking employment.

The My Career Advancement Account scholarship is a workforce development program that provides eligible military spouses with financial assistance for licenses, certifications or associate degrees to pursue an occupation or career field.

To start your job search off on the right foot, remember to hand-carry all your employment records and information, references, resumes, federal resumes, transcripts, certificates and licenses. If you are civil service and you transferring with the service member, don't forget to bring your SF-50. 

Call FFSC 757-462-7563 with any questions.

My Navy Career Options (formerly known as 21st Century CONSEP)
The 16-hour Standard for Career Readiness course was developed to provide Navy command career counselors and FFSC staff the opportunity to guide first-term and mid-career sailors through their career opportunities available in the Navy and in the civilian sector. My NCO is a Military Life Cycle tool designed to enable service members to identify their skills and talents, develop long-term professional and personal goals, plan for personal financial stability, research civilian skills and qualifications and establish long-term planning objectives. The modules listed below can be presented in its entirety or by individual modules by FFSC staff or command career counselors. FFSC staff can provide this training at commands upon their request.

Module 1:  Personal and Professional Assessment
Module 2:  Navy Career Options
Module 3:  VA Benefits
Module 4:  Financial Planning
Module 5:  Civilian Career Options
Module 6:  Developing a Professional Network

Transition Assistance Program

Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is a mandatory Department of Defense workshop for retiring or separating military members who are making the transition to the civilian sector. The workshop provides instruction on skills identification, resume preparation, interview techniques and veterans' entitlements. Uniform of the day is required. Spouses are welcome to attend as space permits. Contact your command career counselor for a quota, your TAP class location and workshop prerequisites to attend.

For additional information, please call 757-444-3522/6089, fax 757-444-6095, or email tapquotas@navy.mil.

Managing My Education (Higher Education TAP Track)
This two-day workshop is geared toward transitioning service members who plan to pursue higher education. The courses are designed to assist participants in developing educational goals and to assist with the admission process. Course curriculum includes instruction on identifying information related to federal financial aid, the Application for Federal Student Aid, online resources to assist in college and program selection, information on veteran support clubs and organizations at certain institutions, college progression and associated costs, and best practices on adult and virtual learning.

Career and Credential Exploration (Vocational TAP Track) 
Career and Credential Exploration (C2E) is a two-day career track facilitated by The Department of Labor. C2E offers a unique opportunity to identify skills, increase awareness of training and credentialing programs, and develop an action plan to achieve career goals. Participants will complete personalized career development assessments of occupational interest and aptitudes to utilize when analyzing a variety of career considerations, including; labor market projections, education, apprenticeships, certifications, and licensure requirements.  Participants will also learn how to narrow their career focus by establishing achievable career goals and development strategies.

Boots to Business (Entrepreneurship TAP Track)
Boots to Business is a two-day training provided by Small Business Administration partners, which may include Small Business Development Centers, Service Corps of Retired Executives, Veterans Business Outreach Centers and Women Business Centers to focus on feasibility analysis for business planning for transitioning service members interested in self-employment. Participants will walk away with a completed feasibility study of their own business concept that will serve as the basis for launching a new venture and for future business planning efforts.

Transition and Employment Workshops

Call FFSC at 757-462-7563 or 757-422-7311 to register for all Transition and Employment Workshops

My Navy Career Options (NCO)
The 16-hour Standard for Career Readiness course was developed to provide Navy command career counselors and FFSC staff the opportunity to guide first-term and mid-career sailors through their career opportunities available in the Navy and in the civilian sector. My NCO is a Military Life Cycle tool designed to enable service members to identify their skills and talents, develop long-term professional and personal goals, plan for personal financial stability, research civilian skills and qualifications and establish long-term planning objectives. The modules listed below can be presented in its entirety or by individual modules by FFSC staff or command career counselors. FFSC staff can provide this training at commands upon their request.

Module 1:  Personal and Professional Assessment
Module 2:  Navy Career Options
Module 3:  VA Benefits
Module 4:  Financial Planning
Module 5:  Civilian Career Options
Module 6:  Developing a Professional Network

VA Disability Benefits Review
This day-long workshop sponsored by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services and the Fleet and Family Support Center is for service members who are within 60 days to six months of retirement or separation. Class participants will learn how to review service medical records, identify medical conditions that may lead to a compensable disability rating, request vocational rehabilitation benefits and training.

Career Planning
Whether you are looking for a job or information on career planning, learning through self-assessment will enhance your chances in finding satisfying employment. In this three-hour workshop, you will be guided through career choices based on life goals, personal skills, abilities, preferences and work values. 

Effective Resume Writing
These days, only a top-notch resume will get you an interview. Learn how to market your skills, knowledge, accomplishments and experience with an impressive resume. This single-session workshop also includes tips on translating military terminology.

The Federal Employment System
In this single-session workshop, gain the advantage in your job search with the federal government by learning how to find vacancies and job listings, complete the application process and understand standard qualifications and testing requirements. 

Interview Techniques
Want to feel more confident at your next job interview? This single-session workshop teaches you how! Topics include positive answers to difficult questions, dressing for success and the importance of body language and positive attitude. Interview follow-up and salary negotiations are also discussed.

Job Network
Job Network is a bi-monthly, one-hour employer panel comprised of three human resources personnel. Ask local and national employers what they like to see on resumes and how to prepare for interviews. Find out about open positions, their application process and what benefits are available. Transitioning and separating service members and military family members are invited to attend.

Job Search Strategies
Learn more about the crucial steps in the job search process. This single-session workshop covers everything from assessing the hidden job market to finding a job long distance, including job searching on the internet. Many of the resources and services available to job seekers are also discussed, including major employers in the Hampton Roads area and the Virginia Employment Commission.

Tuition Assistance is a benefit paid to eligible Service members. The Navy Tuition Assistance (TA) program pays up to 100% (within fiscal year caps and limits) of tuition charged by educational institutions for course enrollments. There are specific eligibility requirements that Sailors must meet to receive TA benefits.

For more information, visit the Navy College Website.

Most military spouses are eligible to file an unemployment claim in Virginia as long as you meet the required 680 hours of covered employment. For information and questions regarding filing your first claim, contact the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) at 866-832-2363. For a complete listing of the documents and information you will need in order to file a claim, visit their website.

Keep in mind you may be initially considered ineligible for unemployment benefits and may have to file an appeal because you left your job voluntarily to accompany your service member. This is normal and most military spouses win the appeal.

Employment Workshops

Call FFSC at 757-462-7563 or 757-422-7311 to register for all Employment Workshops

Career Planning
Whether you are looking for a job or information on career planning, learning through self-assessment will enhance your chances in finding satisfying employment. In this three-hour workshop, you will be guided through career choices based on life goals, personal skills, abilities, preferences and work values. 

Effective Resume Writing
These days, only a top-notch resume will get you an interview. Learn how to market your skills, knowledge, accomplishments and experience with an impressive resume. This single-session workshop also includes tips on translating military terminology.

The Federal Employment System
In this single-session workshop, gain the advantage in your job search with the federal government by learning how to find vacancies and job listings, complete the application process and understand standard qualifications and testing requirements. 

Interview Techniques
Want to feel more confident at your next job interview? This single-session workshop teaches you how! Topics include positive answers to difficult questions, dressing for success and the importance of body language and positive attitude. Interview follow-up and salary negotiations are also discussed.

Job Network
Job Network is a bi-monthly, one-hour employer panel comprised of three human resources personnel. Ask local and national employers what they like to see on resumes and how to prepare for interviews. Find out about open positions, their application process and what benefits are available. Transitioning and separating service members and military family members are invited to attend.

Job Search Strategies
Learn more about the crucial steps in the job search process. This single-session workshop covers everything from assessing the hidden job market to finding a job long distance, including job searching on the internet. Many of the resources and services available to job seekers are also discussed, including major employers in the Hampton Roads area and the Virginia Employment Commission.

Hampton Roads possesses a broad and competitive job market within the military, municipalities, financial institutions, retail and service industries. Employment opportunities on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Fort Story include Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR), Non Appropriated Funds (NAF), Navy Exchange and the Commissary.