Business Hub
Expert Advice + Resources
Market dynamics are always changing. That’s why we stay on top of industry trends and deliver powerful resources to keep your business growing.
Business Hub
Expert Advice + Resources
Market dynamics are always changing. That’s why we stay on top of industry trends and deliver powerful resources to keep your business growing.
share article:
Closing the Skilled Trades Gap
HOW HIRING VETERANS GIVES YOUR COMPANY AN EDGE
By: Matt McGowan, Army Veteran & Director of Strategic Sales Resources at SMG
Is your company struggling to keep up when it comes to finding skilled trades talent? If so, you’re definitely not alone. Employers everywhere are finding it tough to fill these roles, and the skilled trades gap just keeps getting wider every year.
But here’s the thing – while some companies are stuck spinning their wheels, others have figured out a smart solution. They’re turning to a resource that’s often overlooked: the men and women who’ve served in the U.S. military.
Why Veterans Are a Goldmine for Skilled Trades
Veterans bring a lot to the table when it comes to skilled trades. Thanks to their military training, they’ve got the technical know-how, problem-solving skills, and hands-on experience that make them perfect for these roles. During their service, many veterans receive specialized training that lines up really well with what you need in manufacturing and technical positions. So, if you’re willing to think outside the box, there’s a huge pool of talented candidates just waiting for you to tap into.
How to Connect with Veteran Talent
Finding the right veterans for your skilled trades openings takes more than just tossing up a job ad. Here are a few strategies that really work:
- Veteran Job Boards: Sites like Hirepurpose.com, Military.com, and VetJobs.com are fantastic places to start. These platforms are designed to connect you with veteran candidates who have exactly the skills you’re looking for.
- Veteran Organizations: Build relationships with groups like the VA, American Legion, and Easter Seals. They’ve got extensive networks and can connect you with veterans who are actively hunting for opportunities in the trades.
- Educational Institutions: Many veterans are using their G.I. Bill benefits to enroll in trade schools and vocational programs. By establishing connections with VA career advisors and local trade schools, you can tap into this growing pipeline of skilled talent.
Building a Military Hiring Strategy
If you want to boost your recruitment game, developing a military hiring strategy is the way to go. Whether you partner with a company like SMG or create your own internal plan, focusing on veteran recruitment can make a huge difference. Not only are you helping veterans transition into civilian careers, but you’re also tackling your own skilled trades talent gap head-on.
Embracing a military hiring strategy isn’t just about supporting veterans – it’s about strengthening your workforce with highly skilled, dedicated individuals. Don’t let this valuable talent pool slip through your fingers. Make veterans a key part of your hiring plans, and watch your company thrive.
- Matt McGowan is the Director of Strategic Sales Resources at SMG.
An Army veteran, Matt helped start SMG’s “Operation: Hired” military & veteran hiring program and was the inaugural Chair of the SMG Military Alliance Business Resources Group.
