On Veterans Day, And All Days, Orleans Tech Offers Pathways to Civilian Success

During the month of November when we honor the selfless call to duty of Veterans of the past and military service members of the present, we are reminded of the dire issue of veteran unemployment. Following our own mission of “making hope happen,” JEVS Human Services offers programs and services that help Veterans prepare for a new career path in the civilian workforce. One example of this commitment is seen in JEVS’ career training school in Northeast Philadelphia, Orleans Technical Institute, which embraces the men and women who’ve served our country to “retrain” in the school’s various programs.

Orleans Tech, recognized as a Military Friendly School®  each year since 2012, is committed to helping Veterans gain marketable skills in court reporting as well as the building trades field, with job training programs—approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs—in carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing and building maintenance. Upon completion of a student’s training program, Orleans’ on-site employment specialists work with Veterans one-on-one to help them transition into the workplace through job search assistance and access to the school’s Veteran-friendly employer partners throughout the region. Orleans Tech staff also helps Veterans prepare a résumé that highlights their prior military experience, as well as the practical knowledge and technical skills they gain at Orleans.

Meet Sam, Thomas and Dustin; just three of many Veterans who have entrusted Orleans Tech with shaping their paths to civilian success. All are now training in Orleans’ electrical program.  

Veteran Sam A. Quintana was always interested in joining in the military. After learning about the Post-9/11 GI Bill, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He chose to join the USMC because “they offered training unlike any other in the world, with a title that lasts forever.” Sam served five years, stationed in Beaufort, South Carolina, as well as serving tours at sea, Mediterranean cruise, and land detachments in Afghanistan. One of his most memorable experiences serving was the time he wore a “greenman suit” to a USMC Birthday Celebration, earning himself the nickname, “Greenman.” His military training and experience prepared him for success in civilian life by teaching him the meaning of professionalism and ways to utilize his potential.

Veteran Thomas A. Young-El served over 20 years in the U.S. Navy including tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, Japan and the United States. He volunteered to join the Navy because he wanted to fight terrorism and global threats to our country by supporting the military at sea, on land and in the air. At the time of his retirement, Thomas established a rank as Boatswain’s Mate/E-6. One of his most memorable experiences serving in the Navy include the time he spent sitting on a river in the Gulf with a mine underneath the ship in the 2003 Iraq War. When asked how his navy training and experience prepared him for success in civilian life, Thomas said, “I have served my country with my life, and I’m proud to be a warrior in defense of my county, state, and creator!”

Veteran Dustin Bonitatis served over four years in the U.S. Army, stationed in Afghanistan as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Dustin chose to join the Army because he wanted to go to combat and fight for his country. While serving in the Army, he established a ranking as Sergeant. Dustin’s most memorable experiences serving in the U.S. Army include the days spent engaging in combat and defending the country. His military training and experience prepared him for success in civilian life by teaching him discipline.

Orleans Technical Institute is approved for Veterans training benefits, including The Post-911 GI Bill® and Montgomery GI Bill®.