King County connects 400 military veterans with interested employers

July 16, 2014

Summary

The first-ever career expo, “Working with Our Troops” offered seminars, job-search resources, and one-on-one resume writing sessions with representatives from King County’s Veterans Program.

Story

More than 400 local military veterans were connected with over a hundred interested employers at a July 15 event organized by King County and the Washington State Convention Center. 

The first career expo of its kind, "Working with Our Troops" offered seminars, job-search resources, and one-on-one resume writing sessions with representatives from King County's Veterans Program. 

"Creating employment opportunities for military veterans is more than just helping men and women who have bravely served our country," said King County Executive Dow Constantine. "Military veterans have the current skills, discipline, and leadership skills that local employers need. This is an event that benefits everyone."

Employers from the public and private sectors who are specifically interested in interviewing military veterans attended the event, including organizations in manufacturing, health care, aerospace, government, law enforcement, information technology, shipping, retail, and others.

Organizers worked with Joint Base Lewis-McChord and veterans groups to invite military personnel who are transitioning out of the armed forces. They also arranged for free bus service from several locations. Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County was instrumental in helping to recruit local business participation in the job fair.

"Veterans bring many vital skills to the workforce: dedication, a strong work ethic, initiative, the ability to work as part of a unit, and hands-on problem-solving skills, and are both qualified and ready to bring relevant skills to en employer, if given a chance,” said Ed Barnes, vice president of operations for the Washington State Convention Center.