How To Net Vets Get first crack at skilled military vets <i>before</i> they hit the civilian labor market.
By Ellen Paris
Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.
The "Hire A Vet" slogan is taking on new meaning,thanks to the U.S. Department of Labor. Tap into a highly skilledand available work force by logging on to the department'srecently launched UMET (Use your Military Experience and Training)Web site. The UMET program, administered by the DOL'sVeterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS), is a sitewhere employers can link up with soon-to-be civilians.
"There are a lot of skills and occupations in the militarythat translate into civilian jobs, though they may be calledsomething else," explains the VETS' Gordon Berg. Forexample, a "tank transporter operator" in military-speaktranslates into a long-haul, 18-wheeler truck driver.
"This program really works for all industries that requiresome sort of credentials licensing," says Berg. Companiesinvolved with the program include such luminaries as Microsoft andAirborne Express.
For more information, go to www.dol.gov/dol/vets.
Ellen Paris is a Washington, DC, writer and former Forbesmagazine staff writer.
