Tuesday September 24, 2013
What is it?
The Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) program is a Department of Defense (DoD) recruitment and employment resource for spouses and companies. MSEP connects spouses with employers seeking 21st century workforce skills and attributes. Corporate partners have access to a readily available, diverse, and talented pool of candidates. The partnership helps spouses achieve financial security and satisfies career goals through mobility and expanded employment options.
What has the Army done
The Army initiated the Employment Partnership in 2003. Because of its success, DOD adopted the program in June 2011 to incorporate the services and the Coast Guard. To date, 195 nationally recognized employers, Fortune 500 companies, military support organizations, and federal and military agencies have pledged to increase employment and career opportunities for military spouses. Since June 2011, more than 50,000 spouses have been hired.
MSEP has posted 1.2 million jobs on its website since its inception, augmenting the Services’ spouse employment programs. Army Community Service Employment Readiness managers provide referral to the MSEP partners as a part of their direct job search assistance to military spouses, active-duty military, active Reserve and National Guard, wounded warriors, retirees, and DOD civilians.
What efforts does the Army have planned for the future?
The MSEP will continue to create jobs that support the career needs of the mobile military spouse workforce. DOD continues to expand career information through LinkedIn, targeted job fairs in coordination with Chambers of Commerce, and an MSEP website that focuses on spouses. MSEP partners tailor recruitment to the needs of military spouses by implementing adaptive hiring processes and creating employment continuity programs and career portability, with no loss in tenure or benefits.
Why is this important to the Army?
Spouse employment is a major factor in retaining high-quality military personnel. Spouse relocations make career continuity difficult. MSEP goals are to reduce the 26 percent unemployment rate of military spouses and the 25 percent wage gap between military spouses and their civilian counterparts by connecting them with high-demand job opportunities in growing career fields that are portable, flexible, virtual, and mobile.
Resources:
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