Veteran Job Search Skills Workshops Travel to Amarillo and More West Texas, Panhandle Area Cities

Introduction

In a commendable effort to support veterans and their families in West Texas, the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) is taking its Veterans Employment Services (VES) team on the road. The Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT) West Texas Road Show is set to provide essential job search skills workshops across several cities, including Amarillo, Lubbock, and Odessa. This initiative aims to equip unemployed veterans and their spouses with the tools necessary to secure meaningful employment.

The Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT) Road Show

The OBTT workshops are designed to address the unique challenges faced by veterans transitioning to civilian employment. The program includes four comprehensive workshops that cover critical topics such as:

• Resume Creation: Crafting a compelling resume that highlights skills and experiences.
• Job Fair Strategies: Navigating job fairs effectively to maximize opportunities.
• Networking: Building professional connections that can lead to job offers.
• Interview Skills: Preparing for interviews to make a strong impression on potential employers.

These workshops are particularly timely as they prepare participants for the upcoming state-wide Hiring Red, White & You! job fair scheduled for November.

Scheduled Stops

The OBTT Road Show will make the following stops:

• Oct. 7 – Amarillo
• Oct. 9 – Lubbock
• Oct. 11 – Wichita Falls
• Oct. 15 – Odessa
• Oct. 17 – Abilene
• Oct. 18 – San Angelo

Veterans and their spouses can register for these workshops online at the OBTT Road Show website.

Bridging the Gap

Trey Hubbard, the VES West Texas District Manager and Air Force veteran, emphasized the importance of bringing these workshops to smaller towns and rural areas. Many veterans in these regions may not have access to such training, making this initiative a vital resource for those seeking employment.

Amarillo Job Fair

In addition to the OBTT workshops, the Workforce Solutions Panhandle is hosting a job fair in Amarillo on Oct. 8 at the Amarillo Civic Center. This event presents a significant opportunity for local businesses to connect with job seekers. Last year, over 100 employers participated, meeting with more than 1,200 candidates.

The job fair will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., providing ample time for job seekers to explore various employment opportunities. For updates and more information, interested individuals can follow Workforce Solutions on Facebook.

Supporting Working Parents

The Amarillo Area Foundation has launched the Best Place for Working Parents initiative in the Texas Panhandle, joining a national network aimed at recognizing businesses with family-friendly policies. This program offers a quick online self-assessment for businesses to determine if they qualify for the designation.

The assessment focuses on ten research-backed policies that benefit working parents and enhance business performance. By participating, local businesses can position themselves as leaders in supporting families in the workplace.

Resources for Parents and Teachers of Children with ADHD

West Texas A&M University (WT) is hosting a lecture by Dr. Tom Brown, a renowned ADHD expert, on Oct. 10. The lecture, titled “Understanding ADHD and Its Complications in Children & Adolescents,” will provide valuable insights for parents and educators. The event will take place at 8:30 a.m. in the Alumni Banquet Hall, with a Zoom option available for those unable to attend in person.

Cybersecurity Initiatives

In the realm of technology, Technical Solutions, a Managed Technology Services Provider, is taking proactive measures to safeguard customer networks. The company is conducting comprehensive website audits to identify and eliminate vulnerabilities that could expose businesses to cyber threats. This initiative is crucial as more businesses rely on their online presence for operations.

Community Contributions

In a heartwarming display of community support, Dutch Bros Coffee has donated over $1 million to local youth organizations across its 18 states. The funds were raised during the Buck for Kids day, where $1 from every drink sold was donated to nonprofits focused on education and extracurricular activities.

Educational Opportunities and Scholarships

West Texas A&M University students are also making headlines as six students and two alumni received scholarships from the Certified Angus Beef’s Colvin Scholarship Fund, totaling a record-breaking $100,000. These scholarships support students pursuing careers in agriculture, ensuring the future of the industry remains bright.

Conclusion

The initiatives and events taking place in West Texas and the Panhandle area reflect a strong commitment to supporting veterans, families, and the community at large. From job search workshops to educational lectures and community contributions, these efforts are paving the way for a brighter future for many individuals and families in the region. For more information on these programs and events, residents are encouraged to visit the respective websites and stay connected with local organizations.