It’s not as though there hasn’t been a serious effort made to address the skills gap issue that continues to plague the manufacturing industry, but we just can’t seem to get ahead of the curve.
And as baby boomers continue to retire in record numbers, workers continue to be displaced due to the global pandemic, and misconceptions about the manufacturing industry as a whole continue to dissuade people from considering it a viable career option, it’s only going to get worse.
Perhaps forward-thinking employers need to take a closer look at making military veterans part of their hiring strategy. After all, the military has been quite successful at taking a diverse group of individuals and equipping them with the discipline and technological skills to be able to thrive in the American workforce.
Here are five reasons why hiring military veterans could be key to closing the skills gap:
- Financial incentives for employers
The Special Employers Incentive (SEI) program, administered by the Department of Veteran Affairs, offers companies that hire a qualified veteran as much as 50 percent of the veteran’s first six months of salary compensated. The award is meant to cover the costs that employers incur by training new veteran employees. In addition, tax credits are available to companies that hire eligible veterans. For example, the Wounded Warriors Tax Credit offers up to $9,600 in incentives, and the Returning Heroes Tax Credit offers up to $5,600. Both fall under the Work Opportunity Tax Credit that was signed into law in 2016. - Transferable soft and technical skills
Soft skills are essential yet too often overlooked in today’s technology-driven world. Communication, personal integrity, adaptability/flexibility, problem-solving, leadership, conflict resolution, and teamwork just to name a few are qualities that the military begins to instill in service members from their first day of boot camp. With regard to technical skills, the military invests hundreds of thousands of dollars to train the men and women in their ranks for hundreds of occupational specialties. Including aircraft management, vehicle and tank maintenance, medical facilities and supplies, food service, global communications, safety protocols and training, personnel management, supply chain systems, and emergency response teams. Above all, they are resourceful and committed to achieving positive results – what company wouldn’t benefit from that? - Familiar with safety protocols
Safety competency is critical in manufacturing and industrial facilities. Comprehensive safety training is an integral part of the regular military experience. Servicemen and women who work with heavy equipment and weaponry must adhere to strict safety protocols which translate well when transitioning to the manufacturing environment. - Used to diversity
Being comfortable with diversity is a valuable byproduct of serving in the military as the men and women who serve our country must work alongside people from all walks of life and in many different roles. Being able to develop camaraderie among coworkers with diverse backgrounds and abilities is a great asset to civilian life in the manufacturing industry. - Perform well under pressure
Military servicemen and women are trained to think fast on their feet and be able to quickly adjust to changing situations. For them, it often means the difference between life and death for themselves or others. Who wouldn’t want a person on their team who can make good decisions swiftly and while under pressure?
Hiring military veterans is about more than viewing an employee through the lens of patriotism. In today’s hiring landscape, companies benefit from hiring military veterans for their skills, expertise, and overall work ethic.
IVC has long known the value in hiring veterans
While we of course value all of our employees and the unique skills and knowledge they bring to our company and to our customers, a large percentage of our IVC employees come from a military background. It just so happens that the nature of the work we do is a good cultural fit for veterans, as it would be for most manufacturing-related companies.
To all who serve or have served…thanks for walking the walk.
Are you a veteran looking for a rewarding civilian career? We’re hiring…contact us!