Veterans Day is a time to honor and show respect for the men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces. The dedication, sacrifices, and hard work exhibited by our military personnel are deserving of our admiration and the reason why we’re able
to enjoy our current freedoms. Unfortunately, many who have served their country find it hard to find employment when they leave the military. Although unemployment rates among U.S. veterans eased last year, the number of veterans out of work remains high,
and is expected to rise as overseas wars wind-down. To combat this problem, businesses nationwide are encouraged to consider hiring veterans. The U.S. government provides
incentives,
such as tax credits, to employers who hire vets.
Why hire a vet? California Employer Advisory Council (CEAC) Veterans Committee Chairman, Dr. Cal Farmer, says, “One of the main reasons employers should seek to hire veterans is because they have gone through a lot of training and preparation in their military
careers. They come with a certain level of expertise and have skills that employers can tap into at no extra cost.” Dr. Farmer, who has been involved in veterans’ affairs for over 50 years, also encourages entrepreneurship. He says, “When new businesses are
created, this opens new avenues to put our veterans to work.”
As Dr. Farmer states, veterans have skills and know-how that translate well into the civilian workplace. Some of the many attributes that make veterans ideal employees include:
- Leadership and teamwork skills that can be used to train staff, oversee projects, and get tasks done.
- The ability to work under pressure with a diverse group of individuals. These skills can be used as an example to fellow employees on how to do the same, which makes for a harmonious work environment.
- Traits such as discipline and accountability—qualities that employers look for when they wish to fill supervisory and managerial positions. These abilities are some of the core principals learned during military service.
Aside from these skills, many veterans are college educated and have experience in a wide range of areas, especially technology. Veterans are trained in nearly every occupation that you can imagine. The services and knowledge a veteran provides can be invaluable.
For veterans looking for employment, individuals transitioning into civilian life, and employers considering hiring veterans, there are resources available. Some of these include:
2014 CEAC Veterans Employer of the Year Awards
From left: Dr. Cal Farmer (CEAC Veterans Committee Chairman & BCA board member, Jerry Dominguez (BCA Chairman & CEAC Veterans Committee member)
From right: Kiry Peng (BCA President/CEO), Terry Janke (BCA board member)
Business Consumer Alliance supports businesses that recognize the huge contributions veterans provide to the workforce. Dr. Farmer further comments, “BCA has been a pivotal asset and has done an exceptional
job in supporting organizations and businesses that recognize the importance of putting veterans to work.” BCA is proud to be a major sponsor in this year's CEAC Veterans Employer of the Year Awards. Does your company hire veterans? If so, tell us how this
has benefited your business. Business is a constant battle. Why not hire a soldier to get the job done?
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About Business Consumer Alliance:
Business Consumer Alliance (BCA) is a non-profit which started in 1936. The broad purpose of BCA is to promote business self regulation. BCA's mission is achieved by assisting consumers in resolving complaints with businesses and using that complaint
information along with other relevant information like customer reviews to forecast business reliability. With community support, BCA can identify trustworthy and ethical businesses and warn the public to avoid unscrupulous businesses whose purpose is to defraud
the marketplace. BCA obtains its funding from member businesses who support the mission and purpose of the organization and who agree to abide by high standards of ethical business practices.