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Detroit Forum: Motor City Likes Veterans General Motors. Ford. DaimlerChrysler. They’re Detroit’s Big 3. And they trust the thousands of veterans they employ who are skilled in a multitude of areas, ranging from engineering to IT, marketing to HR. A part of DaimlerChrysler’s history, veterans are considered a natural and productive part of its inclusive workforce—they are a diverse mix of people representing various communities in the company’s surrounding neighborhoods. Veterans have also received excellent training and highly developed skills that closely align with corporate values. And they demonstrate a strong work ethic, a high degree of professionalism, and respect in the workplace. Today, more than 11,000 veterans are on the company’s payroll, many of whom were recruited through job banks and One-Stop Career Centers. Similarly, Ford Motor Company has a long history of hiring veterans. Henry Ford himself understood the commitment that veterans make by serving in the U.S. armed forces. Now, the company continues to value the dedication and personal sacrifices of veterans. Through active outreach, the Ford Motor Company uses Veterans’ Employment Representatives and state employment services, local veterans groups, and service organizations, as well as professional search firms, to track down the best candidates. Approximately 14,000 veterans are presently working at Ford Motor Company, applying real-world experience, a can-do attitude, and a commitment to teamwork that gets the job done. General Motors delivers proof that former military personnel can be successful in entry-level, middle-management, and top-level positions. The company employs about 20,000 veterans, a number that includes five of their North American and corporate officers. To further distinguish its strong ties to military workers, in 2002 a voluntary group—the General Motors Veterans Group—was formed by veterans on staff. The group is now actively attended by 300 individuals dedicated to promoting career and professional skills, recruitment and retention, positive interaction with other groups, networking opportunities, and a dedication to reaching company goals. What these Big 3 efforts add up to is a multitude of reasons why employers, such as those in Detroit, are hiring vets first. They’re simply the best choice for your business and workplace. |
