Many Louisiana companies need to hire qualified employees as the state enters a historic economic expansion, which for some employers is their biggest challenge.
Servicemen and women who have completed active duty and are seeking to transition back into civilian life need good jobs.
The Veterans Program under the Office of Workforce Development at the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) is helping employers fill their work force needs by assisting military veterans in finding employment and training. We’re achieving our mission of helping veterans transition into civilian life like never before because our training programs are aligned with the top jobs in most demand in Louisiana.
Matching veterans with employers is more than a simple supply-and-demand game of numbers. Our nation’s veterans get state-of-the-art training and know how to work as a team to achieve objectives.
Veterans bring value and impact to employers. Here are 10 reasons why hiring a veteran can benefit your company (from the Department of Labor):
• Accelerated learning curve. Veterans have the proven ability to learn new skills and concepts. In addition, they can enter your work force with identifiable and transferable skills that have been proven in real-world situations. This background can enhance your organization’s productivity.
• Leadership. The military trains people to lead by example as well as through direction, delegation, motivation and inspiration. Veterans understand the practical ways to manage behaviors for results, even in the most trying circumstances. They also know the dynamics of leadership as part of both hierarchical and peer structures.
• Teamwork. Veterans understand how genuine teamwork grows out of a responsibility to one’s colleagues. Military duties involve a blend of individual and group productivity and require a grasp of how various groups relate to each other as well as overarching objectives.
• Diversity and inclusion in action. Veterans have learned to work side by side with individuals regardless of diverse race, gender, geographic origin, ethnic background, religion and economic status, as well as mental, physical and attitudinal capabilities. They know how to cooperate with many different types of individuals.
• Efficient performance under pressure. Veterans understand the rigors of tight schedules and limited resources. They have developed the capacity to know how to accomplish priorities on time, in spite of tremendous stress. They know the critical importance of staying with a task until it is done right.
• Respect for procedures. Veterans have gained a unique perspective on the value of accountability. They can grasp their place within an organization, becoming responsible for subordinates’ actions to higher supervisory levels. They know how policies and procedures enable an organization to excel.
• Technology and globalization. Because of their experiences in the service, veterans are usually aware of international and technical trends pertinent to business and industry. They can bring a global outlook and techno-logical savvy to your workplace.
• Integrity. Veterans know what it means to do “an honest day’s work.” Prospective employers know integrity translates into sincerity, trustworthiness and a stronger team.
• Conscious of health and safety standards. Thanks to extensive training, veterans are aware of health and safety protocols both for themselves and the welfare of others. Individually, they represent a drug-free work force that is cognizant of maintaining personal health and fitness. On a company level, their awareness and conscientiousness translate into protection of employees, property and materials.
• Triumph over adversity. In addition to dealing positively with the typical issues of personal maturity, veterans have frequently triumphed over great adversity. They likely have proven their mettle in mission critical situations demanding endurance, stamina and flexibility. They may have overcome personal disabilities through strength and determination.
For more information on how to strengthen your business by ensuring you consider veterans for your job openings, contact Valerie Brown of the Louisiana Workforce Commission’s Veterans Program at (225) 342-7629 or email veterans@lwc.la.gov. You can also learn more about LWC veterans pro-grams at www.laworks.net.