Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be a significant shift, but in the Fort Drum area, numerous resources are available to assist you in finding meaningful employment. The local job market, particularly in Jefferson County, presents a range of opportunities across various sectors. Understanding these opportunities and leveraging programs like the Fort Drum Career Skills Program is key to a successful transition.
The unemployment rate in Jefferson County stands at a healthy 3.8%, and New York State’s minimum wage is competitive at $13.20 per hour, with a planned increase to $15.00 by 2024. This positive economic environment, combined with targeted support services, makes the Fort Drum region an attractive location for job seekers. Key industries in the area include healthcare, hospitality, and retail, offering diverse roles from medical professionals and service staff to customer service representatives and sales personnel. Sectors with fair prospects include finance, human services, and construction & agriculture, while government employment, utilities, and management roles may present more limited opportunities.
The cornerstone of employment support for the Fort Drum community is the Fort Drum Career Skills Program. This program is specifically designed to equip transitioning soldiers, military spouses, family members, retirees, and DOD civilians with the necessary tools and skills to navigate the civilian job market. The Career Skills Program offers a comprehensive suite of services, including workshops on federal and civilian resume writing, personalized career counseling sessions, and expert guidance on utilizing LinkedIn for professional networking and job searching. You can access valuable job search resources and participate in workshops covering topics such as resume building from start to finish, career fair preparation, and interview techniques. Furthermore, the program hosts regular career fairs on Fort Drum and employment seminars to connect job seekers directly with potential employers. To stay informed about current job openings, the Career Skills Program maintains a frequently updated job bank, providing weekly notifications of local and national employment opportunities to registered clients. For direct assistance, you can contact the Employment Readiness Program at 315-772-1090/1181/6894 or DSN 312-772-1090/1181/6894. You can also find additional job postings and resources on their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/fortdrumemployment.
Beyond the Fort Drum Career Skills Program, several state and county resources are available to further support your job search. The Jefferson-Lewis Workforce Development System operates two One-Stop Centers: the WorkPlace One-Stop Career Center in Watertown and the One-Stop Center for Employment & Training in Lowville. These centers provide seminars, resume writing assistance, career counseling, and information on employment, education, and training resources. Additionally, the New York State Department of Labor website (www.labor.ny.gov) is an invaluable resource for employment information, average wage data by occupation and industry, and details regarding unemployment compensation. For those interested in federal employment opportunities on Fort Drum, USAJOBS (https://www.usajobs.gov/) is the primary platform.
In conclusion, the Fort Drum Career Skills Program, alongside state and local employment services, offers robust support for individuals seeking employment in the North Country. By leveraging these resources and understanding the local job market, you can effectively navigate your career transition and achieve your employment goals.
