Success Story: From the barracks to the classroom

As a testament to the tools, resources and relationships built though the Employ Florida Network, Michael Taft and Dr. Saryn Hatcher, Principal at Green Cove Springs Junior High School encourage Veterans and others who are seeking a change in their career to utilize EmployFlorida.com. From the web portal, job seekers will be directed to the Regional Workforce Board in their area where they will find services that match their talent with opportunity. 

Michael Taft enrolled at the University of North Florida soon after he exited the military in 2006. While studying, he also joined the work-study program, which helped him get a job at WorkSource – the Regional Workforce Board in Jacksonville. Mr. Taft assisted fellow veterans in securing employment upon leaving or retiring from the military through networking with employers and providing them with resources and tools. Then in July 2010, Taft found his own new career – a job teaching geography at Green Cove Springs Junior High School. He says his successful transition from the military to the civilian workforce is a result of the networking skills and relationships obtained from WorkSource.

When Taft transitioned from the military, he did not have good resume-writing or interviewing skills – he attributes his development in both areas, along with increased interview numbers and quality, to WorkSource.