Minnesota Workforce Center Hosts Veterans Job Fair

Many veterans are looking how to apply their unique skills to civilian life.

Nearly 30,000 veterans live in the Arrowhead Region of Minnesota.

Many of them find the transition from the military to civilian life a difficult task. One of the hardest problems they face is finding employment that serves their needs and unique set of skills.

Marine Corps veteran Justin Teague has struggled with finding a job after his service in the military.

“It’s been quite the struggle that’s for sure,” said Teague.

The Minnesota Workforce Development Center in Duluth set up a job fair to help veterans like Teague.

“Things aren’t easy as in the civilian world as it was in the military. The employment opportunities aren’t necessarily there as people think,” said Teague.

“They don’t know where to go they don’t know what they’re supposed to do exactly,” said Tim Trumbull, senior veterans employment representative.

Like many veterans, Teague posses leadership, dedication, and determination.

“They’re kind of an like an ideal employee that can handle just about anything that’s thrown at them. They can usually adapt and overcome,” said Trumbull.

Teague said he does lack some other skills needed for success in the civilian world.

“Infantry guys, combat veterans, we don’t necessarily share a lot of transferrable credit,” said Teague.

But twenty-eight employers, nearly double the number that attended the fair last year, looked for veterans who could now wear a different uniform.

“Veterans are somebody that you want to hire because they have a strong work ethic, they’ve usually done something that requires a lot of experience and training. They’re hard working. They come to work on time and do an excellent job,” said Mark Swanson, a senior district manager for Kelly Services.

Governor Mark Dayton declared July as Veterans Hiring Month, leaving Teague to hope employers enlist him and others.

“Every day should be hire a vet day,” said Trumbull.

The Minnesota Workforce Center in Duluth also helps anyone looking for a job with resume help and basic computer skills.