Summit intends to create ‘ripple effect’ in credentialing practices
February 12, 2015
Summit intends to create ‘ripple effect’ in credentialing practices
American Legion’s National Credentialing Summit aims to show decision-makers the value of recognizing military experience in specialized fields.
On Feb. 17, approximately 200 leaders in government and industry from across America will converge in Washington for a two-day, invitation-only American Legion summit where nearly 30 experts on job licensing, credentialing and certification will discuss ways to even the playing field for military-trained veterans.
The experts will examine best practices for credentialing veterans in private sector fields,recognizing military experience as credits in civilian job-training requirements.
“We want all of our attendees to go back to their communities and lead local efforts to break down barriers that are stopping veterans from joining the civilian work force,” said Joe Sharpe, director of The American Legion’s Veterans Employment & Education Division (VEED).
The American Legion has been pushing for changes in credentialing practices for more than two decades, Sharpe said. The Washington summit is the Legion’s latest initiative to help transitioning servicemembers get full-time employment as civilians.
“What we’re looking for from the summit is a giant ripple effect,” Sharpe said. “This summit is like a big rock dropped into a calm, serene lake. We want to create ripples of change that will transform our communities from coast to coast. Veterans shouldn’t have to wait years for jobs they are already qualified for – they should be hired immediately. The people attending this summit can achieve that kind of goal.”
Sponsors for the event are CBS Broadcasting, Inc.; Colorado State University Global Campus; Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA); International Brotherhood of Teamsters; Microsoft; and Pearson VUE.
