UnityPoint Health and the Quad Cities Community Veterans Engagement Board are shining a light on the challenges veterans face in the workforce. Many veterans return home only to find that landing a job is tougher than expected. According to the 2023 LinkedIn Veteran Opportunity Report, 33% of veterans are underemployed. Veterans are also 15.6% more likely to be underemployed than nonveterans.
Translating military skills into civilian job qualifications often proves difficult. Many employers overlook the leadership, discipline, and problem-solving abilities that veterans have developed in service. Does your company know how to spot these transferable skills on a resume? If not, you could be missing out on talented candidates.
To address this gap, UnityPoint Health – Trinity and the Quad Cities Community Veterans Engagement Board are hosting “Vet TalkX: Why Hiring Veterans is Good for Business” on June 17 at Black Hawk College in Moline, Illinois. The event runs from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and is open to employers, business owners, HR professionals, nonprofit leaders, veterans, and those transitioning from military service.
At Vet TalkX, speakers will share firsthand experiences and strategies to bridge the divide between military service and civilian employment. Dillon Behr, a retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class and Silver Star recipient, will deliver the keynote. Other veterans and military leaders will share their insights on how businesses can recognize and harness the unique strengths veterans bring to the table.
Community organizations such as the Quad Cities Veterans Network, SHRM Foundation Military Community Ambassadors, and Illinois Department of Employment Security will also take part. They offer resources for both employers and veterans looking for support.
Are you ready to rethink your hiring practices? Do you want to learn how to better support veterans in your workplace? Attending Vet TalkX gives you the chance to hear directly from veterans and experts who understand the challenges and solutions.
The event is free, but registration is required. Visit the Quad Cities Community Veterans Engagement Board Facebook page for details and to sign up. If you want more information about military affairs programs at UnityPoint Health, go to unitypoint.org.
