The type of jobs in a community in large part are the basis for its economy. How people make a living, the opportunities available, and the goods produced directly impact the quality of life of local residents. There is a tremendous amount of effort made by those who work in the economic development field to develop businesses and jobs. San Diego has large a aerospace, electronics and shipbuilding industry, and is an important center for biomedical research and oceanography. The city is also a distribution and processing point for the highly productive Imperial Valley agricultural area to the east. 

Career Resource Center

There are, however, a variety of jobs available on and off-base. The Career Resource Center offers information and assistance to aid Service Members, retirees, veterans, DoD civilians and their family members in their career planning and job search endeavors. VA and Disabled VA staff are also available at the Career Resource Center to help Service Members with employment, benefits services and transition needs.

The Career Resource Center also hosts quarterly Career Fairs to help transitioning Service Members and their families find their next career path.

For additional information or employment assistance contact the Career Resource Center at: 858-307-6710 Email: smbmiramarmccs.trs@usmc.mil

Transition Readiness Program 

The Transition Readiness Program assists Marines getting ready to separate or retire out of the military and their families by providing the skills and tools necessary to successfully transition to a civilian lifestyle. Service Members 24-18 months away from their separation or retirement date should contact their Unit Transition Coordinator (UTC) to set up an initial counseling and pre-separation counseling appointment. 

They also offer classes in:

• Pre-separation Counseling:
  • A two-hour class facilitated by P&PD staff and is designed to provide an overview of the Transition Readiness Seminar (TRS) and the benefits earned as a result of the member's time in service.
  • This is a mandatory requirement that cannot be waived and must be completed prior to registering for TRS.
  • Please contact your Unit Transition Coordinator (UTC) to register for the Pre-separation Counseling.
• Transition Readiness Seminar:
  • This week-long course discusses the following topics: VA Benefits, Military Skills Translation, Department of Labor Led Employment Curriculum, and Financial Planning for separating Service Members.
• Accessing Higher Education:
  • A 2-day hands-on course designed to guide transitioning Service Members through the decision-making process involved in choosing a degree program, finding the right college, exploring funding sources and completing the application process.
• Vocational/Technical (VoTech) Track:
  • This training provides participants with information and a range of tools and resources to help evaluate career options and gain the necessary training or credentials needed to pursue vocational career goals.
• Boots to Business (B2B) Track:
  • A classroom-based course that introduces participants to the world of small business ownership.

The Transition Readiness Program can be reached at: 858-307-6710 | Email: smbmiramarmccs.trs@usmc.mil

SkillBridge Program

The DoD SkillBridge Program provides retiring and transitioning Service Members the opportunity to participate in industry training programs while transitioning out of their military careers. SkillBridge matches civilian opportunities to your job training and work experience. 

Eligibility:

• 180 days of service or fewer remaining prior to your date of separation. See NAVMC 1700.2 for further requirements.

Discover opportunities to participate in a training with industry and employers who are seeking the high quality skills you bring. For a list of SkillBridge programs, visit: DoD SkillBridge

To learn more about the SkillBridge Program or for further assistance, please call: 858-307-6035 

Military Tuition Assistance

The Education Center, located at the HUB, Building 5305, is available to assist eligible active duty Marine Corps personnel with the Military Tuition Assistance Program (TA). TA can help pay for education with a maximum of $4,500 per year, $250 per semester credit hour. First time TA users must complete the TA Orientation Brief prior to using TA. The Education Center offers an in-person brief every Wednesday beginning promptly at 11:30. No prior registration is required.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

In addition to TA, there are many opportunities to fund your education. Please visit the Education Center for assistance with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or for guidance on alternative funding opportunities to include grants and scholarships.

For more information, contact the Education Center at 858-307-1801 Email: smbmiramarmccs.edu@usmc.mil or visit https://miramar.usmc-mccs.org/marine-family-support/education/tuition-assistance

My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program

MyCAA is a workforce development program that provides up to $4,000 in financial assistance to eligible military spouses for the pursuit or maintenance of a license, certification, or associate's degree necessary to gain employment in an occupation or career field.

To get started visit: MyCAA — Financial Assistance for Military Spouses (militaryonesource.mil).

Unemployment compensation may be available for the spouse of a newly assigned military member or civilian employee. For more information please contact the California Employment Development Department.

Additionally, MARADMIN 259/23 announces expansion of military spouse preference (MSP) by requiring nonappropriated fund (NAF) human resources (HR) offices and selecting officials to provide competitive employment preference for military spouses eligible for MSP when they are minimally qualified and optional non-competitive hiring authority for military spouses who are eligible for MSP, veterans of the U.S. military, and persons with disabilities.

Family Member Employment Assistance Program (FMEAP)

FMEAP is designed to provide support and resources to family members, including spouses and dependent family members to help them pursue and sustain meaningful employment despite the challenges of military lifestyle.

FMEAP can provide the following support:

• Career Advising & Coaching
• Education, Entrepreneurial & Training Resources
• Individual Career Assessment & Planning
• Interviewing Skills
• Job Search Strategies
• Resume Assistance
• Salary Negotiations
• Volunteer & Skills Development
• Career Workshops

Call a FMEAP specialist for additional assistance at: 858-307-6491 | Email: smbmiramarmccs.trs@usmc.mil | The HUB, bldg. 5305, or for more information please visit the MCCS FMEAP Website

MCCS Miramar

MCCS Miramar is looking for individuals who want to make a difference by supporting and enhancing the quality of life for Marines, Sailors, and their families. MCCS offers a team-oriented environment comprised of active-duty military personnel, civilian employees, contractors, and volunteers to keep MCCS functioning smoothly and effectively. To see a list of job openings or to apply, visit: MCCS Jobs or contact MCCS Miramar Human Resources at: 858-307-7848 | Bldg. 2273.