Members of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee quizzed corporate talent acquisition leaders on the success of private industry’s initiatives to recruit veterans on Tuesday.
With U.S. involvement in Afghanistan winding down, the job market will be flooded with new veterans – nearly one million in the next five years alone. The bulk of these vets are ages 18-34. Congress and industry are refocusing their efforts to recruit veterans, as well as facilitate their transition from the service to the civilian workforce.
Witnesses suggested modifications to The Yellow Ribbon Program and discussed the success of programs like the VOW to Hire Heroes Act. There is no shortage of interest from the business community, however, in capturing veteran talent. According to the panel, the most desirable assets common to veterans are
- work ethic;
- security clearance;
- leadership; and
- LDRSHIP – the “Seven Army Values” of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.
The key, they cited, is to magnify the visibility of the myriad existing opportunities, from federal tax incentives for businesses hiring veterans, to private industry and VA vocational rehabilitation programs. Here is a snapshot of the programs discussed.
Microsoft
The Microsoft Software & Systems Academy consists of a 16-week course to prepare U.S. active duty service members transitioning out of the military for certification required for technology careers such as a developer, applications engineer and IT project manager. The program is free of cost and has the potential to provide college credit. Microsoft aims to have five locations across the U.S. by the end of 2014, and is working to expand the operation to community colleges and online.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Syracuse University
The financial powerhouse teamed with Syracuse University’s already considerable veterans’ initiatives to create the Veterans Career Transition Program. The program is designed to bridge the knowledge gap between civilian and military culture through a series of online courses. Three specialties are offered: Professional Skills, Tech and Independent Study. It’s available at no cost to post-9/11 veterans, their spouses, and spouses of active duty military.
In a press release Tuesday, JPMorgan Chase announced it will invest $1 million to fund higher education programs for US military veterans through grants to Florida State College at Jacksonville, University of South Florida, The University of Texas at Arlington and San Diego State University.
International Franchise Association (IFA)
“VetFran” is an IFA project that offers financial incentives to veterans who start business franchises. Over 580 companies participate in the program, which also offers training and mentoring to veterans interested in small business ownership and/or a career path in franchising.
Bill Amos, Chairman of Tasti D-Lite and Planet Smoothie (and a veteran of two combat tours in Vietnam himself), says veterans are a natural fit because they are “typically highly-motivated individuals who are natural problem-solvers.” He notes veteran-owned franchises tend to out-perform other locations.
In addition, Rep. Bill Flores (R-TX) introduced the “Veterans Entrepreneurs Act of 2013” in Congress last December. The bill would offer a business-related tax credit of up to $400,000 for 25 percent of the franchise fees incurred by a veteran for the purchase of a franchise.
Walmart
Captain Sam Walton founded Walmart with the $5,000 he saved from his Army tenure, so it’s no surprise the store’s commitment to veteran career development through its “Veteran Champion Program” is unparalleled. The company also announced plans to hire 100,000 veterans in the next five years across all career areas.
The “Military Family Promise” program guarantees Walmart-employed military personnel and their spouses a job at a nearby store when the family is relocated by a military transfer.
Las Vegas – Caesar’s Palace and the MGM Grand
Caesar’s Entertainment “Enlisting Heroes” initiative aims to transition veterans from military life to corporate culture. The company prioritizes veterans for their ability “to analyze, decide, communicate and motivate.” It’s not just in Las Vegas, either – Caesars has more than 10,000 job opportunities available across the country.
MGM Resorts and The American Red Cross offer “Boots to Business,” a 10-week program to move service members from skills in the field to those for management positions with MGM. Once hired, the training and connections continue.
US Chamber of Commerce Foundation
“Hiring Our Heroes” conducts hiring fairs and employment workshops nationwide for all U.S. active duty service members, Guard and reserve components, veterans, and/or spouses of any of these groups. Over 200 were held in 2013. Their Personal Branding Resume Engine™ is another online resource – it will translate your military record into a strong resume that civilian employers can understand.
