New three-step process provides proactive career coaching, professional networking
The Knox Regional Development Alliance (KRDA) announced today a new and innovative approach to supporting military spouses relocating to the Greater Knox region, as well as spouses who already are here and interested in finding employment.
KRDA developed a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive model in partnership with the Kentucky Career Centers – Lincoln Trail (KCC-LT), the Lincoln Trail Workforce Development Board (LTWDB) and Fort Knox.
KCC-LT will oversee the three-step process featured on the new Greater Fort Knox website greaterfortknox.com, which begins with a short questionnaire. From there, information gathered helps match participants with an experienced KCC-LT professional who will help with job search and training at no cost.
“Whether it’s training, career workshops or help finding employment, our career center team provides a one-stop shop for any employment or training needs,” said LTWDB Sherry Johnson. The LTWDB oversees the KCC-LT.
Additionally, military spouses will be matched with a community connector who will help them grow their professional network, which can often open the door to new professional opportunities. KRDA helped recruit the volunteer community connectors who are providing this added support.
“Statistics say that upwards of 70 percent of job opportunities don’t come from a job board but rather from professional relationships that military spouses, being new to the community, typically don’t have,” said KRDA CEO Brig. Gen. Retired Jim Iacocca. “We are tapping into our caring, supportive community to help our military spouses connect with organizations and people who may open the door to a new employment opportunity. As expected, the community response was immediate and overwhelming and we couldn’t be more grateful.”
Iacocca shared details of the model with Army Human Resources Command (HRC) officials who agreed to include the resource on military orders of any Soldier coming to Fort Knox.
“This allows military spouses to access this support even before they arrive,” Iacocca said. “We appreciate HRC’s support as we work to be proactive in our support to military families.”
Melinda Roberts, Fort Knox’s Chief of Army Community Services (ACS), praised the community for partnering with Fort Knox ACS to develop this comprehensive model of support to help military spouses find employment.
“Providing employment support to our military spouses is a top priority from the Secretary of Defense to the Chief of Staff of the Army and, of course, right here at Fort Knox,” Roberts said. “We always are looking for new and innovative ways to tap into community resources and think this new model could become an Army best practice. We are fortunate to have great community partners who want to help us do the very best we can for our Army families.”
LTWDB chairman, U.S. Navy veteran and state representative Dean Schamore said the Greater Fort Knox region has a proud tradition of supporting the military and their families.
“In 2018, the Association of Defense Communities named the Fort Knox region a Great American Defense Community so it comes as no surprise to me that our community would set the bar high when it comes to supporting military spouses,” Schamore said. “You won’t find a more committed, patriotic and caring community.”
Iacocca encouraged all military spouses looking for employment or training opportunities to visit greaterfortknox.com/jobs to learn more and tap into these resources.
“Whether you are about to move here, have just moved here or have been stationed at Fort Knox for some time, the community wants to help.” Iacocca said.