Skills Gap Hurting Your Company? Why Hiring Veterans Could Be the Answer
Posted April 30, 2018
Many sectors in the U.S. economy are booming, but a skills gap still persists as some companies can't find the talent they need to keep up or expand their operations.
According to a recent report from the Deloitte/Manufacturing Institute, more than three million manufacturing jobs will be available from 2014 to 2024, but two million will go unfilled due to a lack of qualified talent.
Forward-thinking employers are preparing for growth in the face of the current skills gap by considering military veterans as part of their hiring strategy. If your company isn't looking to fill its ranks with men and women who have served in the armed forces, consider the following reasons why it should.
Financial incentives
Under the Special Employers Incentive (SEI) program, administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, companies that hire a qualified veteran can get as much as 50 percent of the veteran's first six months of salary compensated. This award is supposed to cover the costs employers incur by training new veteran employees.
Furthermore, companies that hire veterans are eligible for tax credits. Employers can receive up to $9,600 in incentives though the Wounded Warriors Tax Credit and up to $5,600 through the Returning Heroes Tax Credit.
Strong values
It takes a strong set of values to complete service with the armed forces and leave with an honorable discharge. First and foremost, veterans walk away from their service with strong senses of integrity and respect. Veterans are used to following instructions in order to do their work efficiently and safely.
Veterans also learn teamwork. The individual members of a military unit address each challenge collectively, with the knowledge that each member has an obligation that leads to a successful result - which is very similar to how teams operate in the business world.
Finally, the U.S. military is one of the premier institutions for leadership training, and many veterans walk away from their service with valuable leadership skills gained under extremely stressful situations.
Transferable skills
The armed forces develop an extensive array of abilities that can easily transition into a professional setting. In addition to gaining abilities like leadership and teamwork, many veterans gain technical skills like data analysis and document processing.
Safety competency is an underrated skill that is gained in the military and invaluable in most business settings, particularly in manufacturing and industrial facilities. Service men and women who have worked with heavy equipment like aircraft and heavy weaponry become quite familiar with strict safety protocols.
Used to diversity
Being comfortable in a diverse working environment is a major byproduct of military service, as men and women who serve our country come from all walks of life. Service men and women realize that valuable contributions can come from anyone and a diversity of opinions is more valuable than a collection of similar opinions.
At Ambassador, we regularly help veterans connect to best-fit job opportunities. If your company is currently looking for veterans to fill open positions, please contact a full-service staffing firm today.