Veterans get career opportunities at job fair in Dover

It may have looked like your average job fair with booths, freebees on tables, and lots of resumes. However, the career fair at Wilmington University on Thursday was actually aimed specifically at veterans.  

James Webb, the Director of Military Affairs at Wilmington University says, “What we try to do is connect them with local employers to tell them ‘hey you know you are skilled and that’s what we want.’ That’s what we’re looking for.”

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, approximately fifty- three percent of veterans across the country experience some form of unemployment once they return to civilian life.

However, hundreds of veterans come to job fairs like the one held at Wilmington University in Dover and can apply to the dozens of participating businesses.

Sergeant Eric Greene, U.S. Army veteran says, “A lot of us coming back home are kind of damaged. We have trust issues and physical issues.”

Sergeant Greene served for 14 years and has been unemployed for the last four. Part of that time, he says he’s been in school studying criminal justice at Wilmington University. However, he says he’s ready to hop back on the saddle.

Sergeant Greene continues, “Right now I’m shooting for my bachelor’s degree because I want to be a juvenile probation officer.”

Recruiters say the discipline of the military can translate very well to everyday careers. You just have to know where to look. For example, through a grant, the New Castle County Police Department is looking to fill five positions specifically for veterans.

Andrea Laws, an officer with the New Castle County Police Department says, “We’re looking for guys and girls that want a structured career. A lot of them choose law enforcement because it’s a pro- military environment with lots of structure. You get put a lot of your military training background to good use.”  

Officials with the Veterans Affairs department at Wilmington University say for those that were not able to attend the career fair on Thursday can still seek resources through their office. Click here.