At a time when many companies continue to face shortages of qualified, skilled employees in certain fields, North Carolina companies are increasingly looking toward military veterans to fulfill their talent needs. Transitioning military veterans into the workforce is especially important as the number of active-duty military service members currently living in North Carolina who are leaving the service is projected to surge from an average of 8,000 in 2012 to 22,000 in 2015, according to “The Economic Impact of the Military on North Carolina” report by the state Department of Commerce. This Triad Business Journal article highlights Triad-area companies that are recruiting veterans into the transportation and aviation fields – including NC Chamber members Epes Transport and TIMCO, also a member of the North Carolina Chamber Manufacturing Council.

The article also points specifically to companies, like Epes, who are hiring veterans for driving positions that start at a good salary and require a certain skill set and credentials. In 2013, the North Carolina Chamber actively supported the passage of House Bill 322: CDL Requirements/Military Experience, which allows the DMV to waive the commercial skills test for servicemen and women who satisfy the requirements of a commercial drivers license (CDL) through military experience. This legislation, signed into law in June 2013, provides a prepared talent supply for the thousands of open truck driving positions in North Carolina and develops career opportunities for North Carolina’s qualified military applicants by transitioning the skills they gained through their service into jobs in the civilian workforce. We are glad to see successful implementation of this legislation, as North Carolina employers utilize this opportunity to hire our military veterans.

To learn more about specific ways to improve military recruiting and placement to help you find the right people to get the job done, join our webinar on Tuesday, March 10 at 11:00 a.m. Click here for full details.

Gary J. Salamido
Vice President, Government Affairs
North Carolina Chamber