Sen. Tim Scott holds workshop for veterans in Lowcountry
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BEAUFORT CO., SC (WTOC) - Veterans in the Lowcountry are getting some in-depth job training from Senator Tim Scott's (R-SC) office to help them transition into the workforce.
The workshop, held at the Technical College of the Lowcountry, was the fifth of seven workshops across the state. Scott's office is prepping these veterans to meet dozens of potential employers during their big job fair that's happening next month.
Veterans received help with their resumes and interviewing skills in an effort to assist them in getting jobs, get to the next level in their career, or start their own business. Scott's office teamed up with local community colleges and Dept. of Social Services to put these workshops together.
Veterans attending the workshop on Tuesday had access to people who could give them advice on how to get into the civilian workforce, how to obtain training for certain jobs and where to get loans in case they wanted to start a small business.
“The senator is very passionate about veterans,” said Scott's Regional Director Delores Dacosta. “He recognizes that these are folks who have sacrificed their lives. They've left their families, some for years, and now they've come back. They're going into a civilian lifestyle, and he believes that we owe them the best healthcare services, housing if they need it, and a way of making a living for their families.”
“A sense of Mission Accomplishment, if there is something that the company wants done, you're going to move heaven and Earth to get it,” said veteran Melvin Benjamin.
“Punctuality is a must,” said veteran Steven Bosley. “You can't be late, and experience doing a lot of things.”
Bosley served two decades in the military, and after 20 years of service, it's been difficult for him to find of job.
“I've been on unemployment for three months now,” he said. “I've sent out at least 40 different resumes and applications. I've only had two call backs so far. I think I'm a pretty high quality person. I'm kind of flustered why I can't get a job.”
Dacosta, said veterans like Bosley is why they're going the extra mile to help them.
“The workshops are designed to give veterans what they need, as far as assistance with resume writing, interviewing techniques, dressing for success, or just giving them tips on how to handle themselves at a job fair,” she said.
Bosely said that even though it's frustrating, he's trying to remain optimistic. He's using the resources from the workshop to beef up his resume.
“I feel sad, but if I'm having a tough time, I know a lot of other people are too,” he said.
The job fair is scheduled for March 9 in Charleston. If you weren't able to make it to one of the workshops, there are three left:Thursday, Feb. 5, 9a.m.- 12 p.m.
Florence/Darlington Tech, SIMT Building, Room 235
1951 Pisgah Rd.
Florence, SC
Wednesday, Feb. 18, 4 p.m.- 6 p.m.
Horry Georgetown Technical College
2050 US 501 E, Building 300 - Room 110
Conway, SC
Thursday, Feb. 26, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
SC Works Charleston Center
1930 Hanahan Rd. #204
North Charleston, SC 29406
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