The military lifestyle presents unique challenges to military spouses who are looking for employment due to frequent relocations. The Employment Readiness Program (ERP) was originally created to specifically address the employment needs of today's military spouses by providing them with the tools they need to successfully search for and obtain employment.

Located inside Army Community Service, Building 2494, Ricker Road, our Resource Center contains a well-stocked library with books and DVDs on career options, résumés, cover letters, job interviewing, federal employment, customer service training, office etiquette, and entrepreneurship. Whether you are new to the job market, changing careers, or a seasoned professional, the Employment Readiness Program can help you gain the tools you need to stay competitive in today's job market.

Attire for Hire business suit drive

Get ready to clean out your closet! The Employment Readiness Program, in collaboration with Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande, is currently accepting your nearly-new business suits to help military Family members gain and retain employment! Your fabulous suit could assist the Family members with gaining increased confidence to go out and land a job that could change their life. We are currently accepting coordinated, interview-appropriate pant and skirt suits for women and business coats and suits for men or other professional business attire to assist our clients with building a wardrobe to successfully enter the workforce. We are also accepting shirts and ties for men. Items can be dropped off at Army Community Service (Employment Readiness Program), Bldg. 2494, Ricker Road. Be sure to mention that you would like your items to go to the Attire for Hire program. Call Ted Rivera at 569-5873 for details.

Spouse employment orientation

Are you a military spouse new to the area and seeking employment? The Employment Readiness Program has partnered with Workforce Solutions of Upper Rio Grande to deliver orientation weekly to educate spouses on services available to them and employment opportunities in the local area. Orientation is held at ACS, Bldg. 2494, Ricker Road, every Monday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. Please call 568-1132 to sign up for the orientation.

KEY LINKS FOR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS!

HOW WE CAN HELP YOU:

  • Job postings
  • Computers, Copy & Fax machine
  • Resource Library
  • Career Coaching
  • Army Spouse Employment Partnership Program (Visit http://www.myarmylifetoo.com for details!)
  • Free Job Search Skills workshops & Job Fairs
  • Small & Home-Based Business Counseling
  • Attire for Hire
  • Virtual Assistant Training
  • Operation RE/MAX / Spouse to Teachers

ATTEND A FREE JOB SEARCH SKILLS WORKSHOP:

  • Writing a Winning Resume
  • Creating Connections for Job Search Success: Networking to Get Working
  • Ten Steps to a Federal Job
  • Ace Your Next Job Interview!
  • Career Exploration & Planning
  • Jumpstart Your Job Search
  • How to Mobilize Your Home Business

Free childcare available for military spouses to attend a workshop with pre-registration and advanced reservations through the Child Development center! Class schedule can be downloaded on this website or at ACS.

ONLINE WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE!

Not able to attend a face-to-face workshop? Still need assistance with preparing your resume or going on a job interview? Free online training guides are available at www.susanireland.com in:

  • Resume and Cover Letter Writing, Interviewing, E-resumes, and Salary Negotiation.
  • Over 100 samples and tips are also on the site to assist you with your job search training.

NEED COMPUTER TRAINING?

  • Online Computer & Software Training: Learn basic computer skills as well as popular software programs like MS Word, Excel, Access, & PowerPoint by visiting www.free-ed.net All classes are delivered in an online format and are available at no cost.
  • Self-Paced Computer Lab: Goodwill Industries Workforce Services Department offers free computer training in a variety of software programs such as Internet Basics, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access. Location: 1155 Westmoreland, El Paso, TX 79924 915-778-1858. Hours of computer lab are Mon - Fri 9:45 am to 5:00 pm.

Interested in starting a local small or home-based business?

Representatives from the Women's Business Border Center are now available ACS by appointment to speak to you about entrepreneurship and available avenues to get your business idea up and running. They specialize in educating potential business owners on writing business plans, marketing, start-up considerations, permits, licenses, contracting opportunities, and loan packaging.