Santa Ana, Calif. (April 27, 2021) – The Orange County Workforce Development Board (OCDB) was awarded a Veterans’ Employment-Related Assistance Program (VEAP) grant by the California Employment Development Department (EDD) for the amount of $500,000 to help veterans find jobs. In partnership with the Orange County (OC) Veterans Service Office, OC One-Stop Center, and a consortium of community partners, the OCDB will use this grant to help veterans access employment opportunities through the OC Veterans Employment-Related Assistance Program.
“Our nation owes so much to every veteran who has served and risked their lives defending our democracy and values,” said Chairman Andrew Do, First District Supervisor. “As the nation’s fourth-largest county with the highest veteran population, we must continue to create and support programs that help set veterans up for success with their transition to civilian life.”
The OC Veterans Employment-Related Assistance Program will offer career services to veterans while providing employers in high-growth industries with dedicated and highly-skilled applicants for fields such as advanced manufacturing, construction, educational and health services, logistics and transportation, aerospace, and information technology. Career services will include career counseling, training, credentialing, apprenticeships, paid work experience, on-the-job training, job placement assistance, and follow-up and retention services.
“Outreach and access to resources is a priority in Orange County,” said Vice Chairman Doug Chaffee, Fourth District Supervisor. “We want to ensure our large veteran population has what they need to be successful in their daily lives.”
This program will serve all veterans with a focus on those facing significant barriers to employment such as having a disability, mental health challenges, low-income, experiencing homelessness, and more. OCDB will use an intensive client-centered case management approach to evaluate the need for, and provision of, resources including access to technology for distance learning; housing assistance; childcare; mental health care; and a wide range of other supportive services.
“Helping Veterans transition and secure quality civilian jobs is a top priority for my office. This funding creates opportunities for the County to deliver counseling and training services directly to our highly-skilled Veteran applicants. Funding for apprenticeships and on the job training in these sectors benefit those who have served and sacrificed for us,” said Supervisor Katrina Foley, Second District.
Veterans interested in enrolling are encouraged to fill out an interest form to receive an invitation to attend a Zoom orientation. After the orientation, a representative will follow up. The first orientation is scheduled for Friday, May 14, 2021.
“We appreciate our veterans and their immeasurable sacrifice. As a longtime advocate for Orange County veterans, I support the County's efforts to help our veterans achieve financial security and a brighter future," said Supervisor Don Wagner, Third District.
“Supporting our veterans, by providing access to services and opportunities, is essential in welcoming our brave military servicemen and women back to daily life here in Orange County,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District.
For more information on how to enroll in this program, visit https://www.oconestop.com/veterans-services or call the Economic and Business Recovery Call Center at (714) 480-6500.
The County of Orange would like to thank the following Orange County Community Partners: California Employment Development Department (EDD), EDD JVSG Program, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. VETS, Orange County Community Colleges, Saddleback, Coastline, Irvine Valley, Brandman University, Goodwill Industries of Orange County, Orange County Health Care Agency, Orange County Veterans Service Office and the Orange County Veterans & Military Families Collaboration.
