Employment & Training
The Massachusetts Veterans Inc (MVI) Employment & Training Program is designed to help reintegrate homeless veterans into the labor force.
This program is employment focused. Veterans receive job counseling, pre-employment services, job training, job development and placement
services. Supportive services such as clothing, shelter, referral to medical or substance abuse treatment, and transportation assistance are also
provided.
Each veteran is assigned an Employment Specialist who interviews the client and works with him or her to develop an appropriate individual
training plan. Our clients have access to a diagnostic career assessment survey software program that compares interests and abilities. The survey
results are used to determine possible avenues of job search or additional educational opportunities. The combination of the interview and
assessment helps to determine the individual's skill set and career goals. This assists the employment specialist when preparing a list of possible
sources of employment.
Our clients receive classroom training in interview techniques, mock interviews, how to fill out job applications, resume and cover letter
preparation, dress-for-success, and the various on-line search engines that provide access to jobs on the Internet. Employment Specialists assist
each client with job searches, provide job coaching, help set up interviews, and provide transportation to interviews if necessary.
Our clients continue to receive support and follow-up services from both Employment Specialists and Case Managers after they are gainfully
employed.
Employment Specialists develop and maintain working relationships with many local employers, a number of which conduct interviews at MVI
on a regular basis. Companies are encouraged to actively recruit the veterans we serve.
If your company would like to be a part of this effort, please call us today!
VETERANS: Call us to find out if you're eligible to participate in the Employment & Training Program.
EMPLOYERS: Send us your job openings! We have a number of skilled and talented men and women eager to get back into the workforce.
The qualifications of our clients are varied and diverse, so chances are, we'll be able to find a great match for your company!
Please contact an Employment Specialist at 508-791-5348 for more information.
Hire A Veteran… It's a great investment!
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Veterans Workforce Investment Program
The Massachusetts Veterans Inc. (MVI) received a Veterans Workforce Investment Program (VWIP) grant from the Department of Labor.
This grant will allow MVI to provide training to veterans that have significant barriers to employment throughout Massachusetts.
Veterans that qualify for training under this initiative include recently separated veterans, campaign/wartime veterans, veterans with service-connected
disabilities, economically disadvantaged, women and minority veterans. Please call us to see if you qualify.
Qualified veterans will receive training free of charge in:
- PC Technology
- A+ Certification
- Microsoft Certification Preparation
After successful completion of the training program(s), veterans will find expanded employment opportunities in fields such as:
- Computer Support
- Computer Applications
- Office and Administrative Support
- Customer Service
According to Massachusetts Department of Career Services and Department of Unemployment Assistance (DCS-DUA), these four fields are
among the top 21 fastest growing occupations. Computer Support Specialists are in the highest demand with an anticipated 42% annual growth
rate over the next ten years.
Training will take place at the MVI Computer Training Academy located at 69 Grove Street, Worcester. To learn more about the Veterans
Workforce Investment Program or other programs at MVI, please contact Allison Alaimo at 508-791-0956, extension 130 or send e-mail to:
allisonalaimo@massveterans.org.
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Massachusetts Veterans Inc. Computer Academy
Massachusetts Veterans, Inc operates a Computer Training Academy at 69 Grove Street, Worcester and also holds classes in the Mobile
Education Center.
The Computer Academy's objective is to teach marketable job skills that will help prepare students to reenter the labor force in this computer
skills-driven economy. Staffed by qualified instructors, many with years of computer hardware and software experience, the Academy offers
comprehensive instruction and training in a small, intimate setting (most classes have fewer than 15 students).
Available curriculum includes basic and advanced skills, email, Internet, software, hardware, technical training, and nationally recognized
certification preparation.
Courses include:
- Literacy (Basic Skills)
- PC Tech (Build, Repair & Maintenance)
- A+ Certification Preparation
- Microsoft Office Suite
Course Descriptions:
Literacy - Designed for those who have not had much exposure to computers, this course in basic computer skills teaches the novice
how to navigate through the computer, and covers topics such as using a mouse, minimizing, maximizing and exiting a window, window components,
toolbars, taskbars, desktops, paint, email, intro to Microsoft Word, and more. Classes are held mornings, afternoons, and some weekends and can be
anywhere between 8 and 20 hours depending upon the needs of the student.
PC Tech: Build, Repair & Maintenance - This 1100-hour entry-level class is designed to give the student a good working understanding
of the hardware and software in the modern PC. The student will learn in a hands-on environment that reinforces the lecture portion of the classes.
Students receive comprehensive instruction in building, maintaining, and upgrading systems, including hardware items such as hard drives, CD ROM,
DVD, floppy drives, memory, processors, motherboards and more. The software component includes operating systems and diagnostic software and
navigating the Internet to download software, drivers, and manuals. Classes are 8-weeks, 20 hours/week.
A+ Certification (prerequisite: PC Tech course or equivalent) - This A+ certification preparation class is for people with a good
understanding of software and hardware (preferably from our PC Tech class). Students that have not completed the PC Tech course may apply to the
IT Department for a waiver. This is an intensive class primarily working from the A+ Certification book and lab manual. The course is largely
self-directed with an instructor being present to assist students with any questions or problems. Lab periods will be available during the day and
some weekends. After completion of this class, students should be prepared to take the A+ Certification Test. A+ Certification is nationally recognized.
This is a 6-week, 20/hours/week course.
Microsoft Office Suite - Students may learn the entire Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook
(Mail & Calendar), or may customize their course load as they see fit. Each section is 8-hours. Courses are offered evenings, afternoons, and some
weekends.
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Mobile Education Center
The Mobile Education Center (MEC) launches a new dimension in Massachusetts Veterans Inc.'s quest to bring services to the people of
Massachusetts. A 32-foot RV equipped with twelve Dell computers, the MEC assists us in our efforts to outreach our computer training services
to both veterans and non-veterans.
On board are two generators that allow the classroom to be self-sufficient and maintain a pleasant learning environment. The vehicle is also
equipped with a lift gate and can accommodate persons with disabilities.
Instructors teach computer literacy and the Microsoft Office Suite. Email assistance is also offered.
The MEC is available to community groups and companies and can be rented for training purposes, for corporate meetings, or made available
to trade organizations for shows and conventions.
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Compensated Work Therapy / Veterans Construction Team
Massachusetts Veterans, Inc. participates in a program managed by the Veterans Administration that incorporates work and therapy as a part of
the individual treatment plan.
Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) is a therapeutic program administered by the VA that allows eligible veterans to earn money and work at
regular jobs, either at the VA campus or through the Community Employment Program (CEP). The CEP places veterans in jobs with local employers;
the VA pays the veteran's compensation. The employer receives an invoice from the VA.
Veterans Construction Team (VCT) operates in the same manner as CWT. However, all of the work VCT does is on government installations and
involve working in the building trades.
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Culinary Arts Program
Massachusetts Veterans has partnered with the Worcester County Food Bank to offer a Culinary Arts Training Program. Instruction takes place
outside of the shelter at the Food Bank building. The course is 12-weeks in length. Our graduates have found employment in the food service industry
as Sous Chefs and in Institutional environments.
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