Following its commitment to help veterans find their place in the workforce, the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) will host a Job Readiness Kickoff Monday, Sept. 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Columbus Technical College, 928 Manchester Expressway in Columbus.

After registration, job-readiness workshops will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The workshops will help the returning veterans in networking, interviewing, translating their military skill-sets to the civilian workforce, and how to successfully navigate a career expo.

The Job Readiness Kickoff will be conducted by the Special Workforce Assistance Team (SWAT), an initiative started by Labor Commissioner Mark Butler. SWAT team members are specialized employees of the GDOL who are trained in workforce readiness.

The Job Readiness Kickoff has been specifically designed to coincide with the October 17 Paychecks for Patriots event being held at five locations across the state. Paychecks for Patriots is a joint venture between the Georgia Department of Labor, the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), the U.S. Department of Commerce, and private employers to bring veterans, Guardsmen, Reservists, and their spouses into Georgia’s workforce upon their return from service or in addition to the services they provide on a part-time basis.

“The goal of the SWAT event and the Paycheck for Patriots Career Expo is a simple one,” said Commissioner Butler. “The goal for both of these events is to help those that have volunteered for service in our military to find their place in a civilian workforce. Veterans possess skills that employers in Georgia are in need of: leadership, dedication, teamwork, and integrity. These men and women have served their country on the battlefields and in logistical capabilities across the planet, and we look forward to having them and their unique skill-sets in the Georgia workforce.”