TRENTON – The American Legion has joined forces with the U.S. and N.J. Chambers of Commerce in support of the Hiring Our Heroes program, a nationwide effort, blossoming here in New Jersey, to help veterans and military spouses find meaningful employment.
Veterans and their spouses are encouraged to take advantage of the Hiring Our Heroes event, cosponsored by the American Legion and the NJ Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJCAR) on Friday, March 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at American Legion T. Nulty Post 471, 25 Brown Ave., Iselin.
With the U.S. auto industry looking to add some 30,000 jobs during 2012, many of New Jersey’s 530 auto dealerships and other non-dealer service centers will be looking to fill positions. “With veteran unemployment high and rising, this is the type of event that can bring veterans into a career field, which can match their education and skills in a variety of positions,” said Rich Liebler, one of the organizers from the Sansone Auto Group. “Many jobseekers aren’t familiar with the type of jobs available in this industry. This event will address that.”
The event is automotive specific and will explain in detail the types of jobs available within the industry, including sales representatives, technicians, service writers, parts stockers, accountants, clerks, receptionists, internet sales, finance and insurance specialists. Experts will be at the event to explain the jobs and answer questions. In addition to approximately 20 auto dealers, industry related suppliers such as Sears, Pep Boys, STS, Jiffy Lube, Midas and Goodyear, will be participating.
Representatives from the NJ State Library will be on hand to explain and demonstrate all the resources veterans have available to search for jobs, design and write resumes, and apply for jobs. With technology assistance from Verizon, computer stations will be set up for attendees to practice using those resources. Counselors will also be available from Vet2Vet, U.S. Veterans Administration and NJ Dept. of Military & Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) to provide veterans with additional information regarding their state and federal entitlements.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their resumes, which will be posted on the NJCAR website. Auto dealers are prepared to hire qualified veterans or offer internships to individuals who may want to explore one of the job possibilities.
The American Legion has hosted two successful Hiring Our Heroes job fairs in Toms River and Florence, and plans others in all sections of NJ.
The U.S. Chamber started the program in partnership with the Department of Labor Veterans Employment and Training Service, to improve public-private sector coordination in local communities, where veterans and their families are returning every day. Working with an extensive network of state and local chambers and agencies, including NBCUniversal, DMAVA, the NJ State Parole Board, Seton Hall University and other strategic partners, a better job is being done of matching veteran and military spouse talent with career opportunities in the private sector.
Since the launch of the Hiring Our Heroes program in March 2011, more than 7,300 veterans and military spouses, and 60 wounded warriors have found employment. Twenty-five were hired at the Toms River event.
Please go to HoH.GreatJob.net to register as a veteran job seeker, or auto-industry related employer.
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