Consider Hiring A Vet

In a recent radio interview on “American Heroes Network,” a VoiceAmerica Internet talk-radio show, Vet2Tech President and CEO Carol Multack discussed how she’s working to match veterans to jobs in—for now—manufacturing and service-technician fields. But truth to tell, there’s no reason all employers in our industry, from manufacturers and service agencies to dealers, manufacturers’ reps and operators, couldn’t benefit from hiring veterans. 

Consider vets’ skill sets and work ethics, which are honed through the best training in the world. They show up on time, they’re dedicated and loyal, they understand the importance of teamwork—working together can mean life or death in combat. They know how to follow directions. They’re responsible and have had to mature beyond the level of nonmilitary counterparts their age.

So many young vets have had formal training as mechanics, machinists, IT techs and engineers; just think about their logistics skills. “If a vet can handle the supply-chain issues and organization involved in relocating operations in a foreign country, it’s likely he or she could handle warehouse and shipping logistics,” Vet2Tech Board Chairman George Nicholson says. 

Multack says there are about 873 companies ready to hire, representing thousands of jobs, but there will be more than 1 million vets returning stateside over the next five years. A huge part of Vet2Tech’s challenge is getting the word out to the veteran organizations and services that aid in transitioning soldiers back into civilian life. The entities that do this are widespread, often disparate and don’t necessarily communicate. But Multack is making progress. When she connects with young vets, she encourages them to send their resumes to her. With the help of volunteers, she’ll proof, often shorten and tailor the resumes to fit job descriptions and then make the introduction between vet and hiring company.

“Most potential employers don’t realize there are tax incentives to hiring returning veterans as well,” she says. For example, if a vet has been without work for four weeks or more, the new employer is entitled to a $2,400 federal tax credit annually for the hire. If the unemployment period is six months or more, the credit can rise to as much as to $5,600 annually. Most states offer their own credits as well. So, if you’re hiring, consider a vet. Send your job description to jobs@vet2tech.org and visit vet2tech.org.

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