Employment

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Employment Readiness Program at the Military & Family Readiness Center is an employment assistance program designed to provide information and employability skills training for military members, spouses, retirees and their dependents. The program actively seeks to help the job seeker to prepare for their job search and obtain employment in addition to providing long and short term career counseling. Workshops are offered weekly to assist with career development in resume writing, interviewing skills, job search, and federal jobs.

Seminars, Workshops & Individual Appointments

Local Job Market Orientation: Individual assistance provides an overview of the area job market and information on positions that are currently open in the community and on base.

Federal Job Search: Individual assistance provides an overview of jobs in the federal government. Information on various hiring agencies is discussed along with procedures for applying for positions Resumes: Writing a resume is an in-depth process through which an individual examines his or her career goals, work history, and personal attributes. Individuals will gain a better understanding of the role of the resume in the employment process. They will also learn to create an effective resume and about various formats for this document.

Interviewing Skills: The job interview is the key that can unlock the door to employment- Answering an interviewer's questions with good, solid responses is important- Additionally, the individual interested in doing well should know how to prepare for an interview, how to create a good appearance, and how to follow-up on an interview.

For job hunting purposes, be sure to hand carry all employment records and documents, resumes, optional form 612, standard form 171, SF 50, transcripts, certificates, licenses and remember your passwords to sites you have been using.

For Transcripts translation, please contact Military OneSource at: Free Document Translation Services | Military OneSource 

Transition Assistance Program

If you have already made your decision to stay in the Air Force this is still a Mandatory Requirement.

Retirements or Separations are not one-time actions. Both requires multiple steps. It is a process that if completed properly and timely can greatly reduce stressors and enable you to enhance your next phase of life. The key to your successful transition is planning. As you read along you will see that there are multiple avenues for you to explore and excel. Spouses are encouraged to attend.

Plan ahead – Mandatory:  You must plan to complete your Initial Individual Self-Assessment and the Pre-Separation benefits and entitlements briefing at least 365 days prior to separation or retirement. This does not mean you can’t change your plans at any later date. If you have already reenlisted or extended than you are exempt.

1.Mandatory- Individual initial counseling:

The NDAA FY19 is cited as “John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2019” and establishes: individual initial counseling NLT 365 days prior to separation. The member is asked to complete a self-assessment worksheet consisting of various demographics. The worksheet is scored using a counselor tool assigning transition pathways to each Service Member. These pathways will determine which TAP career readiness standards are mandatory to complete.  This self-assessment is a pre-requisite for the Pre-Separation briefing. Contact your Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) at 803-895-1253, at least 24 months prior to separation or retirement. This briefing does not obligate you to separate or retire from the military, however it’s mandatory to attend.

2.Mandatory- Pre-separation briefings:

Typically, they are held, normally every other Tuesday or Thursday.  You will be made aware of your benefits and entitlements and provided information on the recommended timelines necessary to successfully leave your military job and prepare for civilian employment. Some items discussed are the Transition Program Workshop mandates, Mil-Gear resources, Career One-Stop services, Health Insurance Options, Retirement Pay, Unemployment Compensation, Educational Benefits, Veterans Group Life Insurance and Survivor Benefits.  You will create an eForm (DD Form 2648) Pre-separation Counseling Checklist which helps you identify your transitional needs.  You will also be asked to develop an Individual Transition Plan (ITP).  Please call 803-895-1253 to register. Spouses can attend.

3.        Mandatory - Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Workshop:

Effective 21 Nov 2012, Public Law 101-510, H.R. 2433 and Executive Order 13518 mandates all separating service members complete mandatory components of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) in addition to the initial individualized assessment briefing & Pre-Separation Counseling. It is mandatory that separating members contact the Military & Family Readiness Center at 803-895-1253 to ensure requirements are met. The TAP workshop is offered at least monthly, Mon-Wed 0830 to 1630.  This workshop will help you learn how to prepare for civilian employment.  It is designed to provide separating and retiring members, civilian employees, and their spouses with the skills necessary to be successful in obtaining employment after you've fulfilled your military obligation. Spouses can attend.

4.            Mandatory – Veteran Benefits and Services Briefing:

Effective 21 Nov 2012, Public Law 101-510, H.R. 2433 and Executive Order 13518 mandates all separating service members complete Veteran Affairs Benefits and Services briefing components of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) in addition to Initial Individualized self-assessment and Pre-Separation Counseling. It is mandatory that separating members contact the M&FRC at 895-1253 to ensure requirements are completed according to established timeline prior to date of separation.  *Veterans Benefits and Services Briefing.  Learn about your veterans' benefits - you have earned them for serving in the military. VA representatives will present information on Disability, Education, Home Loan, Life Insurance, Health Care, and more. Spouses can attend.

5.            Mandatory – Individual Counseling/Individual Transition Plan (ITP) -

Transitioning is serious business and requires a carefully thought-out ITP.  The ITP is your game plan for a successful transition to civilian life. It is a framework you can use to fulfill realistic career goals based upon your unique skills, knowledge, experience, and abilities. The ITP is not an official form. It is something you create by yourself, for yourself. The ITP identifies actions and activities associated with your transition.  The M&FRC staff can assist you in the development of your ITP.  

6.Mandatory for most - Department of Labor Employment Fundamentals of Career Transition (EFCT)

Workshop. This course is one of several mandatory workshops for transitioning service members. The purpose of EFCT is to provide you with basic information you need to evaluate career options, search for employment, and understand the fundamentals of finding employment. This course will help you identify typical steps to acquire a civilian job. Align employment expectations with personal needs, goals, and best practices. Recognize resources available to support a search for civilian employment. Spouses can attend.

7.Department of Labor Employment 2-day Workshop (DOLEW):

The Employment Workshop builds on the same job search activities and fundamentals and presents practical exercises to practice your skills. This course covers emerging best practices in career employment including in-depth training to build effective resumes, learn about federal hiring, network with contacts using technology, develop interview skills, and learn how to evaluate your job offer. Generally speaking, the EFCT presented what activities comprise a typical job search and why the Three Fundamentals are important. This workshop will show you how to use the tools and techniques in more detail. This is your workshop for employment. WORKSHOP GOALS: Write a master or targeted resume. Understand the federal employment process. Expand your network, including using social media. Develop interview strategies and practice answering questions. Conduct salary negotiations and respond to job offers. Spouses can attend.

8.        Entrepreneurship Workshop - Boots to Business 2-day Workshop:

By partnering with the Small Business Association’s (SBA) Resource Partners (Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), Women’s Business Centers (WBCs), SCORE, and Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs)) and Syracuse University to deliver an introduction to entrepreneurship. SBA provides transitioning service members with the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to evaluate opportunities and become successful entrepreneurs as they transition out of the military.

The SBA will help military members get started and introduce members to our Resource Partner network for support throughout the life cycle of their new businesses.  This seminar is scheduled every quarter at the M&FRC for individuals interested in owning their own business.  This class is presented by the SBA and is free to attend.  Learn how to develop a business plan and navigate tax laws and licensing requirements. Spouses can attend.

9.          Accessing Higher Education 2-day Workshop

Higher education is a pathway to access new opportunities and may be a prerequisite for several jobs in the U.S. economy. This two-day workshop is designed for anyone interested in earning an academic degree. Attending this workshop will assist you in identifying the education requirements for a specific career. It will also provide information, resources, and strategies to guide you as you pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree at a college or university. The workshop includes multiple activities where you will conduct research on at least two educational institutions and complete the College Comparison Chart. Course Learning Objectives. Explore the benefits of earning a degree. Review higher education terminology. Compare/contrast the differences between military training and higher education. Identify a potential career and the corresponding degree. Discuss the factors to consider when choosing an institution. Determine admission requirements. Identify sources to fund the cost of earning a degree. Prepare the course CRS—a comparison of two higher education institutions. Spouses can attend.

10.          Career Exploration and Planning 2 Day workshop:

Service members pursuing further technical training will receive guidance and help in selecting schools and technical fields.  The Career Technical Training track addresses such topics as; selection of a reputable career and technical training school, the application process from start to finish, how to use certification finder web tools and other internet resources that identify licensed occupations, as well as a military occupational code translator. The Career Exploration and Planning Track (CEPT) workshop offers a unique opportunity to identify skills, increase awareness of training and credentialing programs, and develop an action plan to achieve career goals. Service members and spouses who attend the U.S. Department of Labor's two-day CEPT workshop complete a personalized career development assessment of occupational interests, aptitudes, and work values. These assessments will present workshop participants with a variety of tailored job recommendations aligned with their interests and aptitudes. Participants will learn to narrow their career focus by establishing achievable career goals and development strategies. Workshop facilitators will guide participants through a variety of career considerations including labor market projections, education, apprenticeships, certifications, and licensure requirements. Spouses can attend.

11.            Resume Writing - This class is offered at the M&FRC.  We will instruct you on how to best market yourself with a resume. Learn need to know skills on how to write the most effective resume for today's competitive job market.  Local and national job search information will also be discussed to help you in your employment search efforts.  Contact the M&FRC at Shaw 803-895-1253 to sign up. Spouses can attend.

12.            Interviewing Skills - This class is just as important as having a great resume.  Learn how to conduct yourself during a civilian interview.  An employer can conduct various types of interviews…are you ready?  You may only have one chance to make a good impression to obtain the job.   We will teach you how to conduct yourself during the interview process.  Contact the M&FRC at Shaw 803-895-1253. Spouses can attend.

13.          Mandatory – Capstone:

The DD Form 2648 is completed by each service member at the M&FRC Capstone preliminary review and verified by the M&FRC counselors. Member must electronically sign document the DD Form 2648. It is then emailed to the unit commander (or designee) for an electronic signature, closing the loop on the Transition Assistance Program process. Member may then print the DD form 2648 (eForm). Capstone must be completed NLT 90 days before your anticipated separation or retirement.

14.    Operation Palmetto Employment - Connecting and supporting South Carolina's military job seekers and civilian employers.  Operation Palmetto Employment (OPE) serves unemployed and underemployed veterans, service members and military family members from all branches, and the civilian employers who want to hire them.  Whether you want to find a job or hire a hero, OPE provides statewide resources and case management services to meet your needs.  OPE is a Governor’s Military Employment initiative. https://ope.sc.gov/

If you have any questions about any of this, please do not hesitate to contact out Transition Assistance Program Administrator, Mrs. Jamieson at 803-895-1253.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST:

Transition Employment Assistance for Military Spouses (TEAMS)

Transition Employment Assistance for Military Spouses and Caregivers (TEAMS) is a series of Department of Labor (DOL) employment workshops that extend the Department’s Transition Assistance Program to assist military spouses and caregivers as they plan and prepare for their job search in pursuit of their employment goals. All TEAMS workshops are instructor-led training, provided at a variety of times, to meet the needs of individuals stationed throughout the world.

TEAMS workshops are stand-alone training modules. You can take all the workshops or just a few and they can be taken in any order that fits your availability and schedule. Contact the M&FRC at 803-895-1253.

My Career Advancement Account Scholarship: A program offered to eligible military spouses as part of the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities Program.

• Eligibility is restricted to spouses of active-duty E1-E5, W1-W2 and O1-O2 serving on Title 10 orders
• Financial assistance limited to $4,000
• Financial assistance must be used within three years from the start date of the first class
• Financial assistance may only be used for an associate’s degree, occupational license or credential

For more information, visit the Military OneSource website.

There are eligibility requirements for reimbursement of up to $1000 for occupational state licensing/certification costs due to a permanent change of station/permanent change of assignment. They include:

• File within 24 months of date PCS/PCA orders were authenticated
• PCS/PCA from a duty station in one state to a duty station in another state including Hawaii, Alaska, Washington D.C. and U.S. Territories
• Movement of dependents is authorized at government expense
• Must present actual costs incurred for licensing/certification
• State of the new duty station requires license/certification for the same profession as previous state

Unemployment compensation may be available for the spouse of a newly assigned military member or civilian employee. For more information, contact the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce.

The Air Force Wounded Warrior Support Services Program is an Air Force military severely injured program that assists combat-related ill/injured airmen and their families in receiving world-class personnel services and support, extended transition assistance and five-year case management follow-up. Military and Family Readiness Center staff will provide one-on-one consultation with the airman and/or family representative for financial assessment, personal issues counseling, Air Force federal employment opportunities, Veteran Affairs benefits/Disabled Transition Assistance Program counseling and more.

Employment

For information about employment opportunities on Shaw Air Force Base or the surrounding community, visit the Human Resources Office website. The unemployment rate of Sumter city rate is 3.5%. The median household income is $53,970.

Base Services:

• Support services squadron: Recreation at Shaw Air Force Base includes arts and crafts, bowling, library, recreation center, golf, gym, tennis, swimming, outdoor activities, camping, fishing and stables.
• Commissary: one large commissary on post; 803-895-1281
• Exchange: one exchange with a food court and one shoppette: 803-666-3050/3167
• Financial institutions on base:
  • SAFE Federal Credit Union

Special Messages:

• Carolina Pines Inn provides temporary housing. Reservations may be made for members on orders by calling the Lodging Office at 803-895-3803 or 803-895-3802.
• Air Force Families: If your household goods have arrived and you have children, please stop by the Military and Family Readiness Center as soon as possible to receive a certificate for 20 hours of free child care for each child. You will, however, be required to use our certified child care providers.
• Volunteer Support: Airman's Atticis opened Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Eligibility: E-5 and below only. Their phone number is 803-895-8682. Volunteers are always welcome. To volunteer, please call 803-895-1253

Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions

The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense. Every installation has a special DSN number, and the numbers vary by worldwide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 803 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. The operator can be reached at commercial 803-895-1110. Please note that long distance charges may be incurred.