Hawaii Transition Summit Aims to Connect Service Members with Employers

Strategic Insights -

The Hawaii Transition Summit, which brings together nearly 100 potential employers, is providing a unique opportunity for service members exiting the military during a time of downsizing. The event, which includes participation by the U.S. Veterans Affairs and Labor departments, aims to facilitate connections between service members and civilian job opportunities. Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, FedEx, Bank of America, and the Social Security Administration are among the firms and government agencies in attendance, along with Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert A. McDonald and Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez. The summit is also addressing the challenges faced by disabled veterans, including job barriers such as lack of phone communication and prohibitive transportation costs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Hawaii Transition Summit is a critical event connecting nearly 100 potential employers with service members exiting the military.
  • Participating employers include Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, FedEx, Bank of America, and the Social Security Administration.
  • Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert A. McDonald and Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez are among the officials participating in the event.
  • Disabled veterans face significant job barriers, including lack of phone communication and prohibitive transportation costs.
  • Mental health stigma attached to veterans is also a major issue, with Secretary McDonald stating that education is essential to break down this stigma.
  • U.S. Rep. Mark Takai highlights the importance of developing a track for service members to transition smoothly into civilian jobs, citing examples such as medic to EMT and truck driver to commercial driver.
  • A listening session is scheduled for Wednesday at the Oahu Veterans Center, hosted by McDonald, Perez, and Governor David Ige, to discuss challenges faced by female and Native Hawaiian veterans.

Statistics:

  • Nearly 100 potential employers are participating in the Hawaii Transition Summit.
  • 2 federal agencies, Veterans Affairs and Labor, are participating in the summit.
  • 5 major corporations and government agencies are participating, hiring at the events.
  • 1 in 8 veterans suffers from trauma and mental health issues, a relatively low percentage of total veterans who fight in combat.
  • Treatment for these issues is relatively low-cost and widely available.

Sources:

  • The Honolulu Star-Advertiser (2015)
  • Tribune Content Agency