With Veterans Day being today, there’s no better time to celebrate the vital role veterans play in the manufacturing world. Moving from military service into civilian careers, veterans bring a unique mix of skills, discipline, and resilience that fits right into the fast-paced, team-focused environment of manufacturing. Their experience and training make them natural leaders, problem-solvers, and innovators on the shop floor, helping manufacturing companies grow stronger and more efficient every day.
A Perfect Match: Veterans and Manufacturing
Manufacturing and the military share a lot of similarities: both thrive on structure, teamwork, and a clear mission. Veterans are used to high-pressure environments, where they work seamlessly with others, follow precise protocols, and tackle complex tasks. This makes them an ideal fit for manufacturing roles, where these skills translate directly into better productivity and teamwork. In fact, veterans make up a large part of the manufacturing workforce today—nearly one million strong, according to the Manufacturing Institute.
Bridging the Skills Gap and Finding Opportunity
Manufacturers today face a skills gap, with many struggling to find qualified workers for technical roles. Veterans can bridge this gap thanks to their experience in logistics, engineering, and equipment maintenance. Programs like “Heroes MAKE America” offer training and certifications to help veterans and their families get ready for careers in manufacturing, giving companies a pool of trained, job-ready talent.
Success Stories: Veterans in Manufacturing
Many companies see the value in hiring veterans and have programs to make their transition into manufacturing a smooth one. Petoskey Plastics, for instance, is a veteran-owned company that was recently honored as the 2023 Veteran Business of the Year. With locations in Tennessee, Petoskey Plastics produces items like plastic bags and seat covers, proudly employing over 500 people.
There’s also the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program, which provides veterans with hands-on skills training in areas like CNC machining, welding, and quality control—making them well-prepared for roles in defense manufacturing.
Why Companies Love Hiring Veterans
Beyond the great fit, there are tangible benefits for companies who bring veterans on board. Veterans tend to have a strong work ethic, flexibility, and a knack for continuous improvement—all qualities that manufacturers value highly. Plus, companies that actively recruit veterans can qualify for certifications and incentives, like the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOSB) status, which can make them more competitive for government contracts.
Creating a Veteran-Friendly Workplace
Manufacturing companies looking to hire and retain veteran talent can take a few simple steps to make their workplaces more veteran-friendly:
Celebrating Veterans in Manufacturing
As we honor our veterans this Veterans Day, let’s take a moment to recognize their contributions to the manufacturing industry. By hiring veterans, manufacturing companies not only address a pressing skills gap but also enrich their teams with skilled, dedicated individuals who bring both grit and grace to the job. This is a mutually beneficial journey, with veterans finding rewarding new careers and companies gaining talented team members who are ready to lead and inspire.