Milwaukee VA to host Veterans Career Fair
More than 50 employers are scheduled to attend the Milwaukee VA Career Fair
Foxconn and more than 50 other employers offering hundreds of jobs in manufacturing, technology, government and hospitality, will be on hand at the Milwaukee VA Veterans Career Fair.
The fair takes place on Friday, Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Milwaukee VA’s Matousek Auditorium and the 70-D wing educational classrooms.
The event is sponsored by VA, Milwaukee County Veterans Service Office and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
“Thousands have been interviewed and hundreds have been hired over the 10 years we have been doing these job fairs,” said Jim Duff from the Milwaukee County Veteran Service Office. The job fair is held twice a year. Duff said more than a dozen jobs were offered on the spot in March.
Darrel Cappetta, who will represent the Veterans in Piping Program, said his team has so far recruited more than 80 Veterans.
“My programs -- Veterans in Piping and Combat 2 Construction -- are designed for a fast-track into an apprenticeship program with the state of Wisconsin,” Cappetta said, “The Milwaukee Veterans Job Fair has been an excellent opportunity to recruit Veterans.” Duff said Veterans are highly sought because of many “soft skills” in addition to the technical skills they picked up in the military.
“Teamwork, adaptability, resourcefulness, cooperation, initiative, adherence to instructions or orders -- these are important qualities that are often picked up during military service,” Duff said. “And employers are always looking for leaders.” Theresa Michaelson, human resources manager of In-Place Machining Company, says nearly one-quarter of their staff are Veterans.
“We find that Vets are a very good fit for our work,” she said. “We have been able to find common language used to help applicants understand and relate to the work we do. For example, we mobilize and deploy people and equipment to various job sites around the world. Additionally, we do a fair amount of work at military installations so they are familiar with the sites and expectations.
“Our company was founded by a Navy Vet and our current CEO is also a Vet, so we have a nice story to share with our applicants,” she added. “We also take the time to understand the responsibilities of various military job titles so we know which ones have the most transferable skills.” According to Duff, there are several ways Veterans can set themselves up for success at the job fair.
“Dress professionally, bring resumes and be prepared to promote yourself,” Duff said. “Several employers have also recommended that Veterans be prepared for a possible ‘on-the-spot’ interview. Ask questions about the type of positions available, and research the employers that will be attending the Job Fair.”
Duff said there is one big no-no: “Don’t ask ‘What you are hiring for?’ or ‘What does your company do?’”
For a list of companies currently scheduled to attend the job fair, click here.
For more information on the career fair, call Duff at 414-266-1234.
