Transitioning from military service or seeking civilian employment around Fort Drum can be a significant step. Understanding the local job market and leveraging available resources is crucial for a successful career transition. The Fort Drum Career Skills Program stands out as a vital asset, offering comprehensive support to help individuals navigate this process and secure meaningful employment in the North Country and beyond.
The job market in Jefferson County, where Fort Drum is located, presents a mixed landscape of opportunities and challenges. While the unemployment rate is relatively low, and New York State’s minimum wage provides a baseline for earnings, understanding the in-demand industries and the skills employers are seeking is key.
Several sectors in the Fort Drum area show promising prospects for job seekers:
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Healthcare: The healthcare industry is consistently robust, offering diverse roles from physicians and nurses to medical technicians and home health aides. Many positions, such as Licensed Practical Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants, require New York State certification, highlighting the importance of relevant credentials.
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Hospitality: The hospitality sector provides both year-round and seasonal employment. Opportunities range from servers and housekeepers to bartenders and front desk staff. This industry can be a good entry point and offer flexible work arrangements.
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Retail: Retail businesses are always seeking customer service representatives, cashiers, and sales staff. These roles are essential for the local economy and offer customer-facing experience.
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Financial Industry: The financial sector presents fair prospects for professionals in roles like bank branch managers, loan processing, financial counseling, and teller positions.
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Human Services: Social work, social assistance, and clerical roles within human services organizations are consistently needed to support the community.
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Construction & Agriculture: Opportunities exist in the construction and agriculture sectors, including positions for laborers, drivers, heavy equipment operators, and those with entrepreneurial skills in value-added agriculture.
However, some sectors may present fewer opportunities. Government employment, utilities, management/supervisory roles, accounting/bookkeeping, and factory work are listed as having “poor prospects” in the original article, suggesting increased competition or limited openings in these areas. Similarly, education roles, particularly teaching positions requiring NY State Certification, can be competitive.
Wages in the region are variable, depending on occupation, industry, education level, and experience. For detailed wage information, the New York State Department of Labor website (www.labor.ny.gov) remains a valuable resource.
This is where the Fort Drum Career Skills Program truly shines. Designed to assist Transitioning Soldiers, Spouses, Family Members, Retirees, and DOD civilians and dependents, this program is a cornerstone for career readiness in the Fort Drum community. The ERP provides a range of services, including:
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Federal and Civilian Resume Workshops: Crafting effective resumes tailored to both federal and civilian job applications is essential. These workshops provide expert guidance to create compelling resumes that highlight relevant skills and experience.
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One-on-One Career Counseling: Personalized career counseling sessions offer individual support in exploring career paths, setting goals, and developing strategies for a successful job search.
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LinkedIn Tips and Tricks: In today’s digital age, LinkedIn is a powerful networking and job-seeking tool. The ERP provides training on how to optimize LinkedIn profiles and leverage the platform effectively.
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Job Search Resources: Access to a wealth of job search resources is crucial. The ERP assists with identifying job opportunities, utilizing online job boards, and networking within the local employment landscape.
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Workshops on Key Job Search Skills: Beyond resume writing, the ERP offers workshops on essential skills such as Career Fair Preparation and Interview Preparation, equipping individuals with the confidence and techniques needed to succeed in the job application process. They also offer specialized workshops like “Resume Start to Finish” and “Federal Resume Employment Application” to cater to different career paths.
The Employment Readiness Program actively hosts career fairs on Fort Drum throughout the year and organizes employment seminars, connecting job seekers directly with potential employers. They also maintain a current listing of employment opportunities and offer a weekly job bank notification service.
For those interested in Appropriated Funds and Non-Appropriated Funds employment on Fort Drum itself, resources like USAJOBS and direct contact with the ERP (315-772-1090 or DSN 312-772-1090) are recommended.
Beyond Fort Drum’s immediate resources, the Jefferson-Lewis Workforce Development System operates two One-Stop Centers in Watertown and Lowville. These centers offer similar services to the ERP, including seminars, resume assistance, career counseling, and information on education and training resources, further expanding the support network available to job seekers in the region. The New York State Department of Labor also serves as a vital state-level resource for employment information and unemployment compensation.
In conclusion, navigating the job market around Fort Drum requires preparation and access to the right resources. The Fort Drum Career Skills Program is an invaluable asset for military personnel and their families transitioning to civilian careers. By leveraging the ERP’s comprehensive services and exploring the broader network of employment support available in Jefferson and Lewis Counties and through New York State, individuals can significantly enhance their job search success and build fulfilling careers in the North Country.
