By: Deborah Johnson Wood
EmploymentGroup, a West Michigan temporary and permanent staffing firm, this week announced a new program to place returning military veterans in jobs that will enable them to use their military training in civilian life.
The free program matches veterans with jobs suited to their skills and personality, and provides a variety of services including résumé evaluation, training in interview dos and don’ts, skills training, and the company’s own SuccessCheck process that helps pinpoint an applicant’s attitude, personality and cognitive skills for a better job fit.
“What employer wouldn’t want employees with the military training and discipline these veterans have?” asks Mark Lancaster, CEO. “We can be a contact for hundreds of employers in West Michigan for both temporary and permanent placements in accounting and finance, and in engineering. There’s a group of people coming back home with a specific skill set and they would be great people to bring to our customers.”
In May, some 1,100 veterans attended a job fair in Wyoming and learned about the placement program.
“Many of them stopped by our booth and they were overjoyed that someone was willing to help them with their interview skills and job training,” says Julie Johnston, marketing director.
Lancaster adds that 78 percent of temporary workers get permanent positions with the company they’re working for, and his firm is trying to get the word out to veterans.
“We’re trying to figure out what the military is already doing and how we can work through them to get the word out to people as they’re being discharged. That’s an ongoing process.”
Source: Mark Lancaster, EmployementGroup; Amanda Passage and Patrick Kane, Lambert, Edwards & Associates
Related Articles
Grand Rapids firm creates software to help workers find jobs that 'fit'
Battle Creek staffing agency hiring 10, opening second Grand Rapids office
Deborah Johnson Wood is the development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.