VetJobs, Military Spouse Jobs to host Newport News career support event Aug. 5

VetJobs and Military Spouse Jobs will hold in-person office hours Aug. 5 at the Hampton Roads Workforce Council’s Veterans Employment Center in Newport News, Virginia. The event is aimed at helping veterans, military spouses, caregivers and other job seekers connect with employers, training and career guidance.

Why it matters: - Hampton Roads has one of the largest military-connected populations in the U.S., with nearly 191,400 veterans and about 15% of adults having served. - The event is designed to help job seekers turn military and caregiving experience into civilian career paths and access no-cost training. - Veteran unemployment in Hampton Roads still ranges from about 2.5% to 4.0%, depending on locality, underscoring the need for targeted support.

What happened: - VetJobs and Military Spouse Jobs announced an in-person office hours event for Aug. 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. - The event will take place at the Hampton Roads Workforce Council – Veterans Employment Center, 600 Thimble Shoals Road, Newport News, Virginia. - The program is open to veterans, military spouses, caregivers and other job seekers. - The event will include direct, hands-on career support.

The details: - Attendees will receive career coaching and pathway planning. - VetJobs and Military Spouse Jobs will connect participants with industry-recognized certifications and upskilling programs. - The organizations will also point job seekers toward national employers offering remote, flexible and portable jobs. - Support will include guidance on translating military and caregiving experience into in-demand civilian skills. - The initiative also targets transitioning service members, including those relocating into or out of Hampton Roads. - The event will serve youth ages 16-26 exploring early career pathways and certifications. - Adults 55+ seeking flexible, purpose-driven work are also part of the target audience. - Caregivers looking to turn life experience into sustainable careers are included. - VetJobs and Military Spouse Jobs said the Hampton Roads Workforce Council is a key partner in the effort.

Between the lines: - Hampton Roads’ scale as a military hub means local workforce programs can have an outsized effect on regional employment mobility. - The focus on translation of military experience suggests the main barrier is not lack of skills, but matching those skills to civilian job requirements. - The inclusion of spouses, caregivers, younger workers and older adults signals a broader workforce strategy beyond traditional veteran placement.

What's next: - VetJobs and Military Spouse Jobs plan to offer additional engagement opportunities throughout the year. - Community members are being encouraged to watch for future office hours, hiring events and training opportunities. - The organizations expect the Aug. 5 event to be the start of a continuing schedule of support in the region.