Boots to Boardroom: Mastering Veteran Hiring – A Leading Change Special Edition
Posted 09.02.2024
The shift from military to civilian life frequently comes with challenges, yet it also opens up numerous opportunities, particularly within the parking and transportation sectors. Veterans bring a wealth of experience and a distinctive set of skills that can significantly enhance businesses willing to tap into this potential. In the most recent episode of the Leading Change podcast, host Jade Neville relinquishes hosting duties to guest host Dean Fennell-Connell, who delves into the discussion with a panel of experts on the optimal ways to integrate these skilled individuals into the workforce.
The conversation begins by highlighting the importance of support from businesses in aiding veterans to transition to civilian roles. The panellists from various supportive organisations, such as Mission Community, TechVets, JobOppO and the Forces Employment Charity, offer practical advice on how businesses can become more inclusive and accommodating. Emphasising visibility and support, they suggest practical steps such as signing the Armed Forces Covenant and leveraging connections within the Ministry of Defence.
Next, the panel addresses the need for businesses to understand the annual influx of service leavers. With veterans coming from a range of backgrounds and experiences, companies can tap into this diverse talent pool by leveraging existing military employees and engaging with the Career Transition Partnership. Moreover, the challenges and opportunities presented by the transition, such as adapting to remote work and civilian work environments, are also explored.
One significant hurdle for veterans is translating military experience into civilian terms. AI tools like ChatGPT can help articulate their service careers for potential employers. The discussion moves to the need for a cultural shift within businesses to recognise the ‘we’ focused mindset of military personnel and how this can translate into significant value for the organisation.
Further on, the panellists provide actionable advice for organisations to engage with the veteran talent pool. Strategies include reaching out to experts for guidance on hiring veterans and engaging with veterans already within their ranks to understand the value they bring. It’s also suggested that businesses consider the broader social value veterans can add, especially in government tenders.
The economic advantage of viewing military training as a national investment is also a focal point, with an emphasis on the various government support systems available to businesses, such as the Career Transition Partnership. By viewing this as a strategic economic asset, companies can leverage a well-trained and disciplined workforce ready to tackle the challenges of the civilian sector.
As the podcast concludes, it is clear that there are myriad opportunities within the parking and transportation industry for veterans. The industry is encouraged to open its doors and present the diverse opportunities it holds for those who have served, highlighting the significant value that veterans can bring to any organisation. The podcast is not just a call to action for businesses to embrace the talents of veterans but also a resource to help them navigate the process effectively.
Overall, the Boots to Boardroom episode serves as a comprehensive guide for companies in the parking and transportation sectors to integrate veteran talent into their workforce. It provides a wealth of information, from understanding the military community’s talent pool to offering practical steps for businesses to become more inclusive and accommodating to veterans.
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