New program connects Delaware military spouses with career opportunities

DELAWARE- “Some of these airman and airwomen transfer every two or three years and that’s tough on a spouse,” DeMatteis said.

That’s the reality for most military personnel spouses.  The Delaware Office of Veteran Services says that makes things challenging for them to find the right career opportunity. “Depending on where they’re moving to, the community might be very different from where they’ve been. Also, they may not have supports locally or possibly have to do all new job hunting in different fields,” DVS’ Miranda Mal said.

That’s where the Military Spouse Transition Network’s new career program hopes to step in. It’s a partnership between the state of Delaware and NASPE (National Association of State Personnel Executives). “We know from experience that military spouses are phenomenal employees. They’re dedicated, they’re passionate, and they’re committed. We want to keep building that network further,” Delaware Department of Human Resources Secretary Claire DeMatteis said.

DHR tells 47ABC many of those spouses hold various degrees and have lots of job experience. They add that change is hard, but with this program it won’t have to be for those families.

The network helps them know in advance when their spouse will be transferred and get them connected with a job with the state. Mal said it’s a win for Delaware’s workforce. “A lot of military spouses might not be easily recruited into state employment because they don’t understand the process of working for the government. They’ve heard horror stories about how long it can take, and they go to other companies instead,” Mal said.

DeMatteis said the program will also help improve a family’s quality of life. “It’s so important to the continuity of your family, getting your kids into the right schools, and to supporting your family that you have job where you feel satisfied, welcomed, and that you’re really making an impact,” DeMatteis said.

On top of job placement, the program also provides a variety of career services such as resume building.

Delaware is actually just one of 17 states apart of that network. For more information, you can contact Delaware’s network liaison Erica Pratz You by email erica.pratz@delaware.gov or call (302)-672-5161.

To find out more information about the program, click here