[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”no” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=””][fusion_text]
Manufacturing might not be the first industry that comes to mind when you consider which sectors have the most promising career outlooks, but this arena still has plenty to offer in terms of job stability. While manufacturing isn’t experiencing explosive jobs growth, the industry is, by all accounts, still making slow and steady employment gains.
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) reported in March that it added 31,000 workers in February 2018. Further, manufacturers have increased employment by an average of nearly 19,000 per month since the end of 2016, which represents a significant turnaround from previous, more sluggish growth. It’s a sign, the NAM says, that “firms have continued to accelerate their hiring as the economic outlook has strengthened and demand and production have improved considerably.”
The association reports that manufacturing companies surveyed identify challenges in recruiting new workers as their primary business concern right now.
Manufacturing Job Vacancies to Increase as Skills Gap Widens
In releasing the ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey in December, Becky Frankiewicz, president of ManpowerGroup North America, said, “We’re seeing a renaissance in industries like … manufacturing in the U.S. These are not the jobs of the past; many are highly skilled roles that will build America’s future. Strong hiring intentions tell us employers have positions to fill, yet we know they’re struggling to find people with the right skills to fill them. Technological disruption will touch all industries sooner or later.”
As automation and other new technologies leave manufacturers in need of skilled employees, organizations look to hire dynamic individuals who want to be a part of this industry-wide transformation. And many of those companies have developed hiring programs created to attract veterans and active-duty military personnel to their organizations.
“We are committed to supporting and recruiting military veterans into our workforce in all areas of the business, from operations to engineering to information technology. The same characteristics that are needed for successful military service—talent, honor, sacrifice, commitment to others and to safety—describe the type of people we need to deliver critical water services to our customers.” says Susan Story, president and CEO, American Water. “Hiring veterans helps us grow as a company and helps us celebrate our dedicated and diverse workforce.”
Michael D’Ambrose, senior vice president and chief human resources officer for ADM, explained why this food business giant recruits America’s military and veterans.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text]
Veterans, Guard members and reservists bring valuable capabilities to private-sector employers: proven leadership, exceptional reliability, mission-focus and the ability to work well in teams. When employers take the necessary steps to support and accommodate them, the benefits can be tremendous.”
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container admin_label=”” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”30px” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text]
Think you have what it takes to join an industry experiencing a 21st-century renaissance? Turn the page to explore some of the hottest jobs in this industry and read the stories of vets like you who have found fulfilling civilian careers.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text]
Travis C. Everett
Age: 40
Military Service: Master Sergeant (E-7), Air Force (1996-2016)
AFSC: Material Management (2S0X1)
Education: Pursuing bachelor’s degree, business management, American
Military University, expected 2019
Master Sergeant
Travis C. Everett
Material Planner, Eaton Corporation*
What do you do? I ensure material availability and achieve inventory targets through complete materials management for Eaton.
Can you explain how you got your job? I submitted my application, and a couple of weeks later I started the interview process. This job was the first position I applied for. The Transition Assistance Program was very helpful, providing me with the tools I needed to succeed.
Can you tell me more about how TAP helped you? TAP taught me how to conduct a job search, write an effective resume, and present myself during the interview process. I felt confident talking to the Eaton recruiter over the phone because of the training I received in TAP. I was nervous for my face-to-face interview, but I had a positive mindset.
What was the hardest interview question you were asked? “What are your salary expectations?” I had a certain dollar amount in mind and I knew the company had a specific salary range. I didn’t want to price myself out of a job. This process was new for me because in the military I knew what my salary would be with each rank I achieved.
Kyiem Dyson
Military Service: Petty Officer Second Class (E-5), Navy (2001-2011)
Rating: OS2 SW/AW
Education: Bachelor’s of Science, Information Technology; University of Phoenix, 2015
[/fusion_text][fusion_text]
Petty Officer Second Class
Kyiem Dyson
Technologist – Technology & Innovation Team, American Water*
What do you do? My colleagues and I plan, coordinate and manage the assimilation of new software applications and programs in support of various technologies across the businesses.
What did you do in the military? As a Sea Combat Air Controller (SCAC), my job was to control aircraft searching submarines, ships and man overboards for daily task missions.
How did you get your job? I got my foot in the door by joining the operations side of American Water (as a meter reader) while I attended college in the evenings. I researched what was required to be eligible for opportunities in IT, and I was determined to learn all I could to meet those requirements. I continued to work hard and discuss my career goals with my supervisor, and whenever I saw openings in the technology field, I applied. I was [eventually] selected for a position in New Jersey. At the time I was living and working in California, and American Water not only gave me the opportunity to expand my career, they also relocated me and my family.
What worked best in your job search? Keeping my resume as updated as possible was a huge help, as well as networking and following up on possible openings.
Cory Uranich
Military Service: Sergeant (E-5), Army (2006-2011)
MOS: Cannon Crewmember (13B)/ Fire Support Specialist (13F)
Education: Bachelor’s degree, kinesiology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign*, 2015
Sergeant
Cory Uranich
Superintendent, ADM Ag Services
What do you do? I am the operations superintendent of a grain elevator. My responsibilities are to assign daily tasks to our crew of 12, help conduct maintenance and repair activities, and conduct daily reports. We are constantly evaluating
how to make our facility and work environment safer.
Why did you choose this career path? I chose ADM through the recommendation of a friend who told me about the support my company offers to veterans and military personnel. I [also] was attracted to the comradery you gain from working as a team again. It reminded me of the relationship you establish with your squad in the Army.
How did you get your job? I applied for my position online. After a phone interview, I was selected to have an in-person interview. It was broken up into three separate meetings with ADM leadership. Each interview that day lasted around an hour, and at the end of the day the entire leadership team asked to meet me and offered me a position with
the company.
What military-acquired skills are most valuable to you in your current role? My leadership skills and ability to deal with stress and pressure are most valuable. Here things change in an instant, and the ability to adapt and go with the flow is critical.
