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WASHINGTON, DC- The Annual Warrior Symposium, held on August 7, 2024, in Washington, DC, is a premier event dedicated to enhancing services for veterans and their families. This year, it hosted a distinguished panel on the "Future of Veterans Workforce." This panel, featuring industry leaders and veteran-serving professionals, aimed to provide insights into the future of the veteran workforce while motivating corporations to invest in initiatives to attract and retain veteran talent.
Dr. Yashika Neaves, Department of Defense Military-Civilian Transition Office’s Chief of Strategic Plans & Initiatives, highlighted the indispensable role of non-technical skills in today’s job market. "Non-technical skills are crucial for fostering effective teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership," Neaves stated. Non-technical skills are social, behavioral, and cognitive abilities that are transferable across career industries; these are what some would refer to as soft, essential, or durable skills. "Veterans bring these skills in abundance, honed through their military experience."
The discussion emphasized that as the workforce evolves, these essential skills—decisiveness, leadership, and the ability to inspire—are gaining recognition for their significance. "Forbes highlighted a recent study noting that 84% of employees and managers must have these non-technical skills," Dr. Neaves added, illustrating the growing demand for such competencies. Veterans, with their extensive training and experience, often excel in these areas, making them invaluable assets to any organization.
Eric Eversole, President of Hiring Our Heroes, joined Dr. Neaves in emphasizing the benefits of integrating veterans into the workforce. "Veterans bring diverse experiences and skills that enhance organizational culture," Eversole remarked. Recognizing these efforts through awards like the DoD Employer Support Freedom Award, or the DOL HIRE Vets Medallion Program, highlights an organization's commitment to supporting veteran employees, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic workforce.
Jim Lorraine, President and CEO of America’s Warrior Partnership, addressed the increasing importance of effective virtual communication and leadership. "About 50% or more of our employees are remote," Lorraine noted. "Learning how to lead and communicate virtually is essential." The rise of remote work necessitates new strategies to maintain productivity and accountability, presenting both challenges and opportunities for leadership.
Margarita Devlin, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Operations and Management at the U.S. Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, spoke on the future needs of the workforce, particularly in cybersecurity. "Cybersecurity careers are crucial, with 500,000 open jobs in the U.S.," Devlin emphasized. "It's vital not just to fill these roles but to ensure cyber awareness and readiness to protect our country." Devlin highlighted the importance of evolving training programs in partnership with educational institutions and organizations like Hiring Our Heroes to meet these critical needs. This approach ensures that veterans are well-prepared to transition into these high-demand fields.
Each year, approximately 200,000 men and women transition from U.S. military service to civilian life. The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) plays a vital role in this process, providing information, tools, and training to service members, their spouses, and caregivers. These resources are essential for preparing veterans for the next steps in their civilian careers.
The insights shared at the Annual Warrior Symposium highlight the multifaceted contributions of veterans to the workforce. By integrating veterans into the workforce, recognizing the value of non-technical skills, and adapting to remote work environments, organizations can not only enhance their operational success but also contribute to a more inclusive and dynamic workforce. The panel successfully motivated corporations to invest in initiatives that attract and retain veteran talent, ensuring a brighter future for the veteran workforce of tomorrow.
| Date Taken: | 08.09.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 08.15.2024 16:23 |
| Story ID: | 478267 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Web Views: | 76 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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