LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – In a unique initiative that will open up thousands of job opportunities for military veterans, the State of Michigan is waiving its requirement of a bachelor’s degree for many state jobs if the veteran completed at least two years of active federal service in any branch at the rank of E-6 or above. The initiative was championed by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) and approved by the Michigan Civil Service Commission (MCSC).

The press release out of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) says that Michigan appears to be the first state to waive the education requirements for veterans with two years of experience as an E-6 specifically for state jobs. Other states may consider military occupational specialty (MOS) and job experience while in the service when applying for jobs, or waive licensure and exam fees, but the education waiver appears to be a first.

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Todd Butler, State Division Administrator of Strategic Outreach for the MVAA, said the idea came from difficulty in filling open positions and this new initiative will now allow qualified veterans to be eligible for jobs based on the valuable experience they have gained.

Butler said, “We are ecstatic to see this initiative come to fruition. If a veteran has at least two years of experience at the E-6 level, they have proven that they’re a professional in their craft and should be given credit for their experience. We anticipate this being a game changer for enlisted service members looking to transition to the civilian world. This can open so many doors to veterans if they know they can get a good-paying job in Michigan without a degree.”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said about the program, “Michigan is committed to finding new ways to support our veterans and attract top talent to our state. Military members gain valuable skills and knowledge through their service that can’t be replicated in a classroom, and that experience should be considered when applying for jobs. I am grateful for the efforts of the MVAA and the MCSC, and I encourage veterans who qualify to take advantage of this opportunity to come work for the State of Michigan.”

MVAA staff approached MCSC staff earlier this year seeking to investigate new ways to recognize the unique knowledge, skills and abilities obtained by non-commissioned officers in the uniformed services. After discussions, new qualifying criteria was established to allow two years of full-time experience at the E-6 level in any branch to substitute for the standard educational requirements for 13 state classifications. This change opens thousands of potential positions in the state civil service to veterans.

The new initiative will help veterans like Angie Saldana-Sipley who started at the MVAA as an executive secretary in 2023 after retiring from the Michigan Army National Guard’s Active Guard Reserve program as an E-8 (master sergeant). Even with 23 years of service under her belt, she still wasn’t eligible to apply for jobs at the State of Michigan that required a bachelor’s degree.

Saldana-Sipley said, “While I was in the National Guard I was focused on being the best soldier I could be. Between the military and raising a family, going back to school to earn a bachelor’s degree wasn’t realistic for me. Because of that, when I got out of the National Guard I had difficulty qualifying for state government jobs that would be equivalent to the work I was doing every day while in the service. This change has given me the opportunity to grow and advance in my career at the state.”

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Veterans interested in applying for a job with the State of Michigan can view openings on the state’s jobs website and for more information about the new initiative, visit the website and read about it in their press release.