APRIL 13, 2016, WASHINGTON (NNS) – The Navy recognizes moving every few years creates career challenges for military spouses, especially when stationed overseas or in remote areas.
The Family Employment Readiness Program (FERP) offers family members a variety of resources to tackle those challenges.
“The primary mission of the Family Employment Readiness Program is to provide a no-cost consultation by employment professionals for military family members so they are able to accomplish short and long-term goals, whether it is regarding employment, education, and even volunteer opportunities,” said Leonida Fernandez, Naval Support Activity Annapolis work and family life consultant.
Workshops have been created to help dependents plan a career, launch a job search, write their resume, learn interview techniques, find information on federal employment, conduct self-assessments, set goals and take vocational tests. FERP also offers computer tutorial programs to help build technical skills.
“The employment workshops offered are important because it helps family members develop and strengthen valuable skills needed to be successful in their job search process,” said Fernandez.
The goal of FERP is to help dependents learn how to get a job and maintain a career the can enjoy, as a military family member.
“The Department of Defense and the Department of the Navy has long recognized that frequent moves create career challenges for military spouses,” said Fernandez. “Utilizing the services that FERP offers would assist in addressing and suggesting solutions for those unique, but specific, challenges.”
To contact the NDW Fleet and Family Support Center and for more information about the FERP program, visit http://www.cnic.navy.mil/ffr/family_readiness/fleet_and_family_support_program/regional_office_program_directory/naval_district_washington.html