Employment

One of the first steps you should take when planning on entering the work force is to contact the Fleet and Family Support Center to receive assistance with compiling your resume, completing employment applications and suggestions on interviewing.

Family Employment Readiness Program (FERP)

Family Employment Readiness Program services are available for spouses and other eligible family members. Services offered include Employment Workshops, Individual Consultations, and Information and referral (I&R).

Employment workshops assist Sailors and family members with everything from choosing career paths to negotiating salaries. FERP staff members also conduct individual consultations and provide resources relevant to all aspects of the job search.

The philosophy of the Family Employment Readiness Program is to enable family members to maintain a satisfying career. Although job listings are available at all installations, the primary goal of the program is not job placement. Goal clarification, skill building, and overcoming career barriers are the primary services. The primary mission of FERP is to help customers reach their career goals. Specific program goals are to:

• Enable spouses to relocate more readily with their military sponsors.
• Provide information about employment, education, and volunteer opportunities.
• Help customers plan careers that are compatible with the mobile military lifestyle.
• Teach customers how to develop and use job search skills.
• Connect spouses with employer, business, professional and support networks.
• Help customers find employment opportunities that meet their needs.

If you are a military spouse, beneficiary or transitioning servicemember in need of resume writing, job search, interview training or developing salary negotiating skills, please contact our FERP Specialist at the center today.

The unemployment rate in the New Orleans metropolitan statistical area is 4.10%, according to the Louisiana Department of Labor.

The cost of living in the New Orleans and surrounding areas is high compared to local wages, rent, cost of home purchase, gasoline and consumables.

For job hunting purposes, be sure to hand carry all employment records and documents, civilian and federal resumes, SF-50, transcripts, certificates and licenses.

When you arrive at NAS JRB New Orleans, contact the Fleet and Family Support Center for employment search assistance. Family members may contact the Family Employment Readiness Program office. Separating or retiring military personnel should contact the Transition Assistance Program office.

The following services are available: resume assistance, data on area employers, job referral information, DoD Job Search, Internet access and assistance in the resource room. Resource library is available and individual counseling. Classes are provided to assist with resumes and interview skills.

Additionally, the Transition Assistance Program provides pre-separation and pre-retirement counseling (mandatory for military members), and access to Transition Bulletin Board. TAP classes are conducted and active duty members are encouraged to sign up for them as far as 12-18 months out.

MyCAA

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

We cannot advise you concerning eligibility prior to a claim being filed. Determinations concerning eligibility for benefits can only be made after a claim is filed as we are required to obtain the facts from you and the employer concerning these and other eligibility issues. A claim for unemployment compensation benefits can be filed online. A claim may be filed by telephone by calling 1-866-783-5567.

The New Orleans proper and surrounding areas are made up of very close parish (county) lines. Our unemployment rate is lower than the national average, with many areas to seek employment. Some options available are management, education, arts and entertainment, medical, hospitality (hotel and restaurant), and many other fields.