For veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses seeking a fulfilling and in-demand career, the tech industry offers incredible opportunities. Amie Hanbury, a Marine Corps veteran, is a shining example of how quickly and effectively individuals can pivot to IT. In less than four months, Amie gained the necessary skills to launch her new career thanks to programs like Career Forward and Google Career Certificates. Now, as a lead field technician, she provides crucial IT support, ensuring clients can work securely and efficiently from home. Amie’s story highlights the transformative potential of the Career Forward Google Certificate Program in empowering individuals to achieve economic mobility and secure meaningful employment.
What is the Career Forward Program?
Career Forward is an innovative initiative launched by Hiring Our Heroes, with support from a Google.org grant, designed to equip veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses with the skills needed to thrive in today’s job market. Recognizing the unique challenges and strengths of the military community, Career Forward offers a comprehensive pathway to economic stability through free access to Google Career Certificates and wraparound support services. Google.org’s President, Jacquelline Fuller, emphasized the program’s goal to provide “increased access to portable career credentials along with the right wraparound support” to help military families reach their full economic potential. This program directly addresses the need for accessible and effective career training for those who have served the nation and their families.
Google Career Certificates: Your Path to In-Demand Skills
At the heart of Career Forward lies the power of Google Career Certificates. These self-paced, online learning programs are meticulously crafted to provide learners with job-ready skills in high-growth fields like data analytics, IT support, project management, and user experience (UX) design. Designed for individuals with no prior experience or degree requirements, these certificates offer a fast track to entry-level positions, typically within three to six months of dedicated study. The impact of Google Career Certificates is significant, with over 50,000 graduates in the U.S. and an impressive 82% reporting a positive career impact, including new jobs, promotions, or raises. This demonstrates the real-world value and effectiveness of the training provided by the career forward google certificate program.
Alt text: Career Forward program graphic promoting free Google Career Certificates for veterans and military spouses to gain job skills.
Amie’s Success Story: From Marine to IT Professional
Amie Hanbury’s journey perfectly illustrates the life-changing potential of the Career Forward program and Google Career Certificates. Despite her curiosity about IT, Amie initially struggled with self-doubt, questioning if she was too old or too busy to embark on a career change. However, after leaving an unfulfilling job, Amie decided to dedicate just one hour a day to the Google IT Support Professional Certificate course. To her surprise, she found herself engrossed in the engaging video content and quickly progressed through the curriculum. This flexible, self-paced format was ideal for her busy life as a mom and wife.
Amie experienced a “lightbulb moment” as her confidence and technical knowledge grew rapidly. Soon after completing the course in just a few months, she began applying for jobs and quickly landed a phone interview and a job offer. Amie’s swift transition from Marine Corps veteran to IT professional underscores the program’s effectiveness in preparing individuals for in-demand roles. Her story is a powerful testament to the accessibility and impact of the career forward google certificate program.
Alt text: Amie Hanbury, a veteran, smiling and recommending Google Career Certificates for career advancement.
Comprehensive Support for Career Success
Beyond the Google Career Certificates, Career Forward participants benefit from a robust support system designed to ensure their success throughout their career transition. This includes access to 12-week paid job-training fellowships at reputable companies like Booz Allen Hamilton and Deloitte, providing invaluable real-world experience. Furthermore, Hiring Our Heroes offers crucial support services such as resume workshops and interview preparation, equipping learners with the tools they need to confidently navigate the job market. Regular engagement opportunities with fellow learners, program graduates, and industry professionals in their certificate fields further enhance the learning experience and build valuable networks. This holistic approach to career development distinguishes the career forward google certificate program and maximizes participant success.
Why Career Forward Matters for the Military Community
Career Forward represents a groundbreaking initiative, being the first program from Hiring Our Heroes to offer a complete career pathway specifically tailored for the entire military community. This includes transitioning service members, military spouses, and veterans, recognizing the diverse needs within this population. Eric Eversole, President of Hiring Our Heroes, emphasizes that “Career Forward will change lives, creating pathways for thousands of military community members to complete Google Career Certificates, develop job-ready skills, and connect with employers.” The program’s structure is uniquely designed to reach often underserved segments of the military community, such as those stationed overseas, those transitioning after a single term of service, and individuals without college degrees. By providing accessible, high-quality training and comprehensive support, the career forward google certificate program is truly empowering the military community to achieve lasting economic mobility and career fulfillment.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity. Just like Amie, you can transform your career trajectory in a matter of months with the Career Forward Google Certificate Program. Explore the possibilities and take your first step towards a rewarding IT career today. Learn more and sign up at HiringOurHeroes.org/career-forward.
