New state job program targets veterans and their spouses

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services are sponsoring a free three-day job readiness program next month for honorably discharged veterans and their spouses.

The Ohio Transition Assistance Program seminar will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, Feb. 13-15, in the second-floor conference room at the Mahoning County South Side Annex, 2801 Market St.

Topics will include résumé preparation, how to present oneself in a job interview, how to conduct job searches and veterans’ education and vocational rehabilitation benefits.

Veterans also will be able to meet employers’ representatives at the seminar.

“Jobs are hard to find in our area, and we know that veterans are suffering because of the economy,” said Barry Landgraver, commission executive director. This will be the first such seminar conducted locally in several years, he added. Participants are encouraged to attend all three days, he said.

The seminar will be conducted by Shawn Frederick, a veterans’ representative with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Call him at (330) 965-1787, ext. 131, for reservations.