TAP takes edge off retirement

  • Published
  • By Stephen Delgado
  • Thunderbolt staff writer
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Retirement can be a daunting prospect. There are so many challenges such as profound lifestyle changes, preparing for finding a job and actually finding one. Not only that, the member's family faces profound changes.

The Transition Assistance Program comes to the rescue.

"The three-day TAP workshop is designed to assist transitioning and retired members and their families prepare for civilian life," said James Knuckles, 56th Airman and Family Readiness Flight community readiness consultant.

The job market is tough, so having the proper tools to find a job is a must for success.

"The main focus is on job preparation," Knuckles said. "Our goal is to make the attendees more marketable in today's tough job market. The topics covered at the workshop are personal appraisal, networking, the labor market, how to write a resume, interviewing skills, how to dress for success, how to research companies and four hours of covering Veterans Affairs benefits and entitlements."

The principle challenge is finding employment that is both enjoyable and pays enough to maintain a lifestyle comparable to the one they are leaving behind in the military, according to Knuckles.

"Many members will have to make adjustments to the way the civilian workforce operates and this task can be difficult for some people, especially Airmen who are retiring," he said. "Our office provides job preparation skills, resources and ongoing support. We receive job announcements from many employers nationwide, and we post those announcements in our Discovery Area employment center. Job seekers have access to job leads Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

"We have a yearly job fair with approximately 75 employers attending. Also, we have individual company recruiters conducting recruitments throughout the year."

For more information on TAP and the workshops call Knuckles at (623) 856-6781.