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Advice & More November 2015

Dollar Sense

Need a Great Employee? Hire a Veteran, Young or Old

By Teresa Ambord

You may be a veteran, looking for a good job, but you’re past the age where you want to do the physical labor. I have a friend in his mid-70s with a history of heart problems, who is a mechanical engineer in the HVAC industry. He still does some of physical work, but mostly he handles paperwork and serves as an outstanding adviser and mentor to the younger guys.

The economy may not be roaring back to life, but for people with the right skills, there are a lot of great jobs out there. Young or not-so-young, active military or retired, not many people can match the abilities of a veteran. Think of the vast resources that were poured into military personnel, turning boys and girls into men and women, fast. That’s why, if you’re an employer looking for extraordinary workers, don’t overlook this pool of remarkable talent and character.

And if you’re a veteran of any age and you’re looking for a high-quality job, don’t fail to market yourself based on your military training for good personal habits and skills that are transferable to industries that have a shortage of good workers. For the last few years, two industries have been putting out the welcome mat for our veterans.

 

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

The heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry has a constant need of skilled workers. The skills learned in the military in many cases are a near-fit, or are easily transferable to HVAC skills. While older veterans or younger ones who’ve lost limbs may not be able to climb on a roof packing heavy equipment these days, nobody should underestimate their mental abilities. Most older veterans still have the discipline, focus, and problem-solving ability they learned in the military for survival. The HVAC industry has put them to work in their offices and as mentors to incoming workers who need the wisdom only time and experience can provide.

You may be a veteran, looking for a good job, but you’re past the age where you want to do the physical labor. I have a friend in his mid-70s with a history of heart problems, who is a mechanical engineer in the HVAC industry. He still does some of the physical work, but mostly he handles paperwork and serves as an outstanding adviser and mentor to the younger guys. The company owner finds him invaluable. So, even if you are past wanting to climb ladders, you could be a priceless member of a team.

Dave Kyle is the general manager of Trademasters Service Corp. When I asked him about hiring ex-military personnel, he said his company is very aware of the value of a veteran to an employer. Trademasters does whatever it takes to attract these workers, including offering a state-approved apprentice program. “Our industry offers fantastic opportunities for a veteran looking for a challenging financially rewarding, high-tech career…” said Kyle.

Kyle has hired veterans to be HVAC technicians, and also to add brainpower and experience to his office staff. He does emphasize the need for employers to check references and do stringent background checks, and drug screens for any employee, civilian or military. But, he adds, “We just never had a single bad experience hiring a veteran.”

Veterans and employers who wish to contact Trademasters, go to Trademasters.com, or by calling 1-888.644.4588. While they aren’t an employment service, they may be able to point you in the right direction.

 

Manufacturing Returns to Our Shores… If They Can Find Skilled Workers

If you still think of manufacturing the way the industry once was, labeled “dirty, dumb, dangerous and disappearing,” you’re behind times. Sure there are still some shops where they employ any warm body that comes along, hoping they stay a few months. But overall, American manufacturing has become a highly skilled industry with pay to match.

You’ve heard the call for STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and math), but high schools no longer emphasize those subjects, and most young people don’t care. That means there’s a dearth of talent in the areas manufacturers need. They know the natural place to look when they need quality workers is the pool of America’s veterans.

Here are a few of the programs designed to put veterans to work in solid manufacturing jobs:

  • In recent years, Boeing and Lockheed Martin have combined in a program called “Get Skills to Work,” with the goal of putting 15,000 veterans into manufacturing.
  • The U.S. Chamber of Commerce – which is by nature, business friendly — sponsors Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) job fairs to find and hire veterans. More than 1,700 companies have made pledges to hire close to 600,000 veterans and their spouses. Employers and job seeking veterans, visit Hire Our Heroes at: https://hireourheroes.org/.
  • In Louisville, Kentucky a group of business and government leaders have formed the Where Opportunity Knox initiative, aimed to connect 10,000 veterans and their spouse with local employers.

These businesses know that by hiring military trained individuals of all ages, they are getting some of the finest workers available. If you’re an employer looking to hire a vet of any age, start by contacting your local Veterans Affairs (DAV) office, or your state vocational rehab office. You can also list a job with the unemployment office.

 

Teresa Ambord is a former accountant and Enrolled Agent with the IRS. Now she writes full time from her home, mostly for business, and about family when the inspiration strikes.

Meet Teresa