Member companies in the 100,000 Jobs Mission have collectively hired 77,612 U.S. military veterans since the organization’s founding in early 2011, according to a recent announcement. This private sector initiative was launched in early 2011 by JPMorgan Chase and ten other companies with the goal of collectively hiring at least 100,000 veterans by 2020. Since then, the coalition has grown to 109 companies that represent diverse industries across the country from finance, telecommunications and defense to transportation, retail and energy.
For companies in the trucking industry, the 100,000 Jobs Mission may provide another door through which new, qualified applicants can successfully enter the transportation business. In fact, some fleets and industry suppliers are already participating.
With the help of AT&T, the organization recently launched a new web tool designed to help veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses to find the right fit for their next civilian job. The site should also benefit the coalition's would-be employers.
The new Veteran Talent Exchange (VTX) is intended to facilitate the sharing and referral of candidate profiles among the 100,000 Jobs Mission employers. AT&T, a founding member of the 100,000 Jobs Mission, is leading the Veteran Talent Exchange among the coalition companies.
“We want to optimize the recruiting process for veterans who apply to work at our companies. If we can’t find a fit for veterans at our organization at a particular time, we can now refer them to opt-in to the Veteran Talent Exchange to be considered by other military-friendly employers within the 100,000 Jobs Mission,” said Scott S. Smith, senior vice president, human resources operations for AT&T. “The Veteran Talent Exchange enables us to centralize military candidate pipelines in one database so they can be accessed by multiple companies. This is the only employer-led platform that does all this.”
The introduction of the VTX and the news about hiring totals to-date followed the coalition’s quarterly meeting, which brought together representatives from nearly 70 of the member companies, including the newest coalition member, BAE Systems. During the meeting, participants shared best practices and discussed issues central to hiring veterans and transitioning service members, such as sourcing, talent- sharing, candidate experience, policy and military spouse programs.
“There is no other group that deserves our support more than our veterans,” JPMorgan Chase chairman and CEO, Jamie Dimon, told meeting attendees. “I want to personally thank you for the work you are doing. What you and your companies are doing is great – for our veterans and for our nation.”
