Our Impact
VetWorks changes lives. Throughout each session, long-term unemployed veterans build leading-edge job acquisition skills, translate their military experience, network with other motivated vets, and connect with employers that are ready to hire.
Below, explore the first-hand experience of our participants and partners, as well as the impact VetWorks has made on their lives. Check back soon for updated testimonials, data points, and outcomes.
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Participant Testimonials
"The military should make this course mandatory before exiting."
— Jeff D., VetWorks Graduate
"I would like to let people know this course is the best I have ever attended and would hope that it would become mandatory."
— Joe M., VetWorks Graduate
"I got out of the Air Force two years ago… I took the TAP class and I went through a head hunter agency as well. [VetWorks] taught me more than both of those opportunities"
— Jeremy T., VetWorks Graduate
"I could not recommend a better program for vets. Best help I received in a long time."
— Steven M., VetWorks Graduate
"Best workshop I've ever been to! If you're a vet, this course is a must."
— Shane R., VetWorks Graduate
"This week has been an eye-opening experience. All vets need to be aware of the great service. Well done, Mario and staff"
— Robert C., VetWorks Graduate
"I came in feeling like I knew job searching and interviewing fairly well, and left with skills that put me ahead of my non-VetWorks peers. I am now equipped to reach higher and farther in my endeavors!"
— Tiffany C., VetWorks Graduate
"VetWorks was a phenomenal class that quickly bridged a knowledge gap of 8 years since my last job search. Our trainer, Larkin, was an inspirational and motivating class leader and the material updated every aspect of the job market along with a free LinkedIn Pro account!"
— Andrew W., VetWorks Graduate
"I left the Air Force in 1996 and took the transitional TAP class offered at the time. Obviously a lot has changed since then, and the VetWorks program brought me up-to-date. Would recommend this class to any vet seeking a job in the current environment."
— Laura C., VetWorks Graduate
"One of the best classes that I have had the honor of being in. So glad that I took the VetWorks course."
— Dennis G., VetWorks Graduate
"I saw lightning strike during the class. If you are truly interested in obtaining employment, this week-long course will help you develop the tools to be successful. A great experience with a wealth of information.
— William S., VetWorks Graduate
"I believe every veteran should take this course to help them build their ways of finding and landing a job."
— Terry E, VetWorks Graduate
"Before VetWorks, I seemed to struggle with who I was. During and after VetWorks, I regained my confidence and it helped me to become motivated and focused on who I wanted to be and it gave me the strength to implemented the changes I need."
— Eric S., VetWorks Graduate
"The environment and support here was unbelievable. I learned so much, gained confidence, and had fun."
— Lucy H., VetWorks Graduate
"VetWorks is a great opportunity for vets to expand and enhance their job searching skills. It is not just about resume writing, but gives you hands on experience of mock interviewing practice as well as job searching tricks, like how to network on LinkedIn and job industry searches through Google."
— Keith T., VetWorks Graduate
"This couse was awesome. I loved everything about it and learned a lot!"
— Tiffany M., VetWorks Graduate
"This program will be beneficial to all that attend. I've learned not just skills that will help me in the job market, but it revealed things about myself that I never really realized"
-- Jesse J., VetWorks Graduate
"This class is way more helpful than the TAP class. You take so much more out of it."
— Jamani, VetWorks Graduate
"Thank you WorkOne and VetWorks for providing this highly valuable - in fact necessary - service for Vets. I am confident this program is going to expedite my journey to my next career opportunity. Your appreciation and respect for veterans and our service is outstanding! Semper Fi and Hoorah!"
— Michael N., VetWorks Graduate
"I don't think anyone else could teach this class as well."
— Sean S., VetWorks Graduate
"Best job planning course ever. Great information, good hands-on approach."
— Jerry W., VetWorks Graduate
"I feel this is really an amazing class with something to contribute at every level, from those who are educated to those who [have lower educational levels]. I also feel the networking with fellow veterans is invaluable! It was hard to clear a week, but it was well worth it!"
— Michael S., VetWorks Graduate
"The atmosphere was a great learning experience. It's nice to know that people are willing to help vets, and this was very helpful."
— Tyler C., VetWorks Graduate
"VetWorks raised me to a whole new level, not just as a potential employee, but as a person living life."
— Jose S., VetWorks Graduate
"At this point in my life, I needed the confidence to get back out in the job market to land a job. VetWorks made this possible. Thank you for the experience!"
— Meg M., VetWorks Graduate
"You can teach old dogs new tricks and methods. This week has been awesome. Mark and Tamiko did an awesome job instructing and mentoring."
— Kevin M., VetWorks Graduate
"Instructor was top-notch. Learned much more than I imagined and will apply in my career search with more confidence."
— Gary G., VetWorks Graduate
"I have more confidence and knowledge. I enjoyed this thoroughly."
— Sean S., VetWorks Graduate
"VetWorks has been very informative and helpful. My confidence has accelerated and I plan on rehearsing and practicing my presentation skills. I feel ready for any interview in the future. The job search has become so much clearer after having attended this course. Mark and Tamiko were great instructors and went above and beyond for the vets that attended this course."
— Jesse R., VetWorks Graduate
"If this would have been available when I first got out of the service, my life would have been different."
— VetWorks Graduate in Lafayette, Indiana
"VetWorks is an awesome program and has helped me identify locations in my resume, cover letter, and interviewing skills that need improvement"
-- Edward M., VetWorks Graduate
"I am very grateful for this program. I believe all people collecting unemployment should have to attend a similar program."
-- Phillip C, VetWorks Graduate
"The training was amazing. Very intense and informative. I will suggest this program to every veteran."
— Randall D., VetWorks Graduate
"Attending the VetWorks program provided me with the insight, confidence, and skills I need to make myself more marketable. This is a great program and I wish more veterans knew about it and what a great asset it is to their future career!"
— Sylvester W., VetWorks Graduate
"Thanks for the opportunity with VetWorks... it was an awesome class and helped me a lot with getting my new job ."
— Shawn N., VetWorks Graduate
“[VetWorks] has done a lot for my confidence and self-esteem. If I had known about the support that is out there for veterans by veterans, my life would have been so much better in the past 10 years. It feels great to belong to this very important alumni group”
-- Rafael R., VetWorks Graduate
“I found the instructors to be highly motivated, informative, resourceful and encouraging. I learned the importance of networking and discovered the new version of doing resumes and job interviews. I also found new acquaintances and friends”
— Annette W., VetWorks Graduate
“This program is just what the doctor ordered, a shot in the arm with confidence. I really began to search deeper within myself and the way I will present my attributes and experiences. Great readiness to move forward. Thank you!”
-- Michael M., VetWorks Graduate
“VetWorks provides veterans with sound, real-world advice and techniques to market their skills and experience to employers. Resume building, skills translation, networking, and employment search techniques are the valuable skills veterans can expect to cover”
-- Joseph J., VetWorks Graduate
“VetWorks has shown me how to re-market myself. I have learned so much new information and plan to continue the presentation that has been presented to me”
-- Walter H., VetWorks Graduate
"I had no idea that there was so much actually available to veterans! I will definitely use the resources and let other vets know."
— Billy C., VetWorks Graduate
"Outstanding class, great instructor, and tons of great info!"
-- Bradley H., VetWorks Graduate
"I was very glad that I came to VetWorks. I didn't realize how important the vets are to our community. This training session has got me looking at myself a lot differently"
-- Gwenddolyn W., VetWorks Graduate
"I'm interviewing today... I feel very fortunate to have people doing their best to help me."
— VetWorks Graduate in Kokomo, Indiana
"VetWorks has been an extremely helpful and enjoyable course and I would recommend it to any veteran in need of job assistance or help in improving professional skills"
-- Richard S., VetWorks Graduate
"Before entering VetWorks my interviewing skills were less than desirable. Now, I feel I can go into an interview with confidence"
-- Andrew T., VetWorks Graduate
"When I met with the recruiter today, I felt more confident with myself. I think the VetWorks class needs to be a class for every transitioning veteran. A class like this needs to be offered for every veteran in all branches transitioning from the military"
-- VetWorks Graduate in New Albany, IN
"As a recently unemployed Veteran, these skills will definitely help me with applying for new jobs. A lot of excellent information to polish my job-seeking skills. Thank you VetWorks."
-- Dennis H., VetWorks Graduate
"After exiting active duty, VetWorks has helped me start a support network in a community completely new to me. VetWorks has supplied me with the knowledge and skills I need in order to succeed. They have also supplied me with numerous job opportunities"
-- Sawyer R., VetWorks Graduate
"My confidence in my resume, cover letter, and interviewing process has grown exponentially"
-- Jeff D., VetWorks Graduate
"During this program, I have already developed new contacts and discovered ways for me to find more opportunities for employment. It has been a very education program with a lot of opportunities if you follow the things given to you."
-- Ruben T., VetWorks Graduate
"I love the course. It helped me write a great new resume and [learn] great people skills. Let me meet and connect with fellow veterans and instructors in a great course that I can use from here on out. Thanks and much respect for the two [instructors]."
-- Marcus D., VetWorks Graduate
"No matter your level of education, experience, or employment history, it is highly likely that you will find something to use in your job search and bag of tricks from the VetWorks course."
-- Michael P., VetWorks Graduate
"The class and instructors are great. I would recommend to veterans everywhere."
-- Jesse J., VetWorks Graduate
“VetWorks has helped me regain the confidence and need to compete in the workforce”
— Mark S., VetWorks Graduate
“I feel more self-aware and confident as a job seeker. I can now zero in on exactly what I need to work on.”
- Charles T., VetWorks Graduate
“This was the best class to help vets land the job they are looking for”
- Donald H., VetWorks Graduate
“This was an awesome experience! I have learned many things to carry on in the future. Thanks much to you all”
- Don D., VetWorks Graduate
“This course has definitely been the most helpful and informative course I have ever had the pleasure of attending. I would definitely recommend VetWorks to all veterans regardless of their background or knowledge level”
- Jesse B., VetWorks Graduate
“VetWorks was an outstanding program. When I finished my skills and confidence were greatly improved. I would strongly recommend it to all veterans”
- William B., VetWorks Graduate
“I came into this class really unprepared to find a job. The things I have learned in this class have improved my skills by 100% and has gotten me ready to successfully find a job”
- Rex H., VetWorks Graduate
“The VetWorks program provides a how-to approach to finding a job. The class is a golden opportunity to gain the knowledge and experience needed in the working world. A+”
- Michael B., VetWorks Graduate
Success Stories
Andrew W., Marine Corps Veteran
Andrew's consulting business was broken up and his main income source was gone. Andrew was falling behind financially and was close to becoming homeless. Financial troubles caused his marriage to end, and he also had the primary parenting responsibilities for 5 children.
Andrew also had physical disabilities from his time of service in the Marines that limited his employment options, as his doctor’s informed him he needed a full knee replacement. Andrew never received any disability payments from the military through these difficult times. Andrew was referred by the local veteran’s representative to various agencies for support including encouraging him to attend VetWorks. At this point Andrew was willing to try anything to move forward. Although Andrew has 28 years’ experience in IT, he has not had any formal training and he was not receiving any interviews prior to attending VetWorks. Through the skills he acquired in VetWorks, Andrew identified employment opportunities and began to submit more applications. Within a few weeks of attending the program, Andrew attained a position within the IT department of a local corporation with a base salary of $60K. Andrew stated, “ VetWorks was a phenomenal class that quickly bridged a knowledge gap of 8 years since my last job search. The instructor was inspirational and motivating class leader and the material has updated every aspect of needed job search skills.”
Michael R., Navy Veteran
Michael was laid off from his job in 2017. By December, he had been out of work for several months, and had only a few weeks of unemployment remaining. He was in severe financial distress and was potentially facing foreclosure on his home. He contacted the Lafayette WorkOne office for assistance. The veteran’s representative urged him to attend the VetWorks program. As an over 50 worker, he didn't really see the point, but the Veteran’s Representative assured him it would be a helpful class.
Michael attended VetWorks in late January 2018. The encouragement and camaraderie within the group of vets provided him with a much-needed boost. Michael stated, “The class itself was excellent covering everything from very modern job search information, to more advanced interviewing techniques. The best part of VetWorks was the constant encouragement from the instructor and the rest of the team. The class made me look at my job search from a whole different perspective and within a few weeks of taking the class, I was again employed. I can't thank WorkOne and [JobWorks] enough for the help - and I can't overstate how important these veteran’s programs are to vets such as myself.”
Deborah M., Army Veteran
On an outreach visit to the local food bank, the local veteran’s representative met Deborah, an Army veteran who worked as an air traffic controller. Due to health reasons, she found herself unemployed for some time and she was in considerable trouble financially and close to losing her home. Deborah is also a single parent. The veteran’s representative referred her to VetWorks. Deborah attended in August of 2018. She applied the new skills she acquired in VetWorks and worked diligently submitting more applications and reaching out directly to hiring managers. She had several interviews immediately after graduating VetWorks and within a few weeks, attained sufficient employment to support her and her family. Deborah stated, "The information and techniques you learn in this class are amazing. I would never have learned or figured these unique job search techniques on my own. Thank you!”
Travis S., Army Veteran
Travis exited the Military in 2013. He had been unemployed since October of 2016. As a Veteran, he felt discouraged and overwhelmed at times trying to adapt to the civilian job market. Travis attended VetWorks, the exclusive Veteran’s modern job search skills workshop offered in Region 4 of Indiana. After attending the 5-day workshop, Travis was hired within 6 weeks by iLab in Indianapolis as a Sr. Software Technician. Travis stated, “I'm writing to let you know what Vetworks meant for me and how it ultimately helped me find an ideal career path. First I'd like to say, I fully understand how discouraging and at times, overwhelming, it can be as a veteran trying to integrate with the civilian job market and corporate America. I experienced all of the common stresses that go along with transitioning into the civilian sector from the military. We, as service members, learn to hold ourselves to a high standard that can almost get in the way when we consider that we may not have the exact skill sets for a particular career we're attempting to transition into. However, this is where Vetworks really helped light the way. Through Vetworks I learned to embrace the unique qualities that military service provides. The ability to adapt, improvise and overcome all obstacles through perseverance. The high level of self discipline and integrity that kept us going through the most austere environments is something to remember and can be applied in the transition process as well. That thick skin and ability to push through helps get you past all of the "no" responses until you get that yes that you've been looking to find. The ability to network, share ideas and experiences, and find common ground with other veterans, as well as the workshop to help with resume writing and translating military experience into civilian language helped pave the way that culminated in finding a career in which I thrive and genuinely love. To any fellow veterans who may feel discouraged, I'd like to say the following: Stay true to your core values, keep your head high, and never give up. Vetworks works. Let these talented individuals help guide you and you're sure to succeed. Thank you to JobWorks for making this workshop possible”
Workforce Partner Testimonials
"The whole office, including the Veterans Representatives, were in awe by the resumes created during yesterday’s VetWorks class. Several veterans have already been contacted for interviews! Yesterday, their cell phones kept ringing from interested employers."
— One-Stop Team Leader in Kokomo, Indiana
"Just a few hours after participants began using the strategies they learned today, employers started reaching out to schedule interviews!"
— One-Stop Staff in Kokomo, Indiana
"Our participants are motivated to succeed and form a supportive network to help one another achieve their goals. For example, today in class one of our participant’s truck broke down. I walked in and explained the situation to the class and, instantly, they reached for their wallets to pitch in. I suggested we first brainstorm a strategy to help, so the group started researching local repair shops and making phone calls. The class collected enough money to make the repairs and even negotiated with the shop to arrange a more favorable payment situation. Incredible teamwork!"
— Trainer in Kokomo, Indiana
Press and Media Coverage
Workshop helps veterans find jobs
WLFI Lafayette News
Statewide program teaches job skills to military veterans
Herald Journal
Training program aims to help veterans
Inside Indiana Business
Local organizations help veterans find work
WLFI Lafayette News