OREANDA-NEWS. October 16, 2012. GE (NYSE: GE) and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University (IVMF) today unveiled poignant insights from the ‘Voice of Veterans’ survey, which found that 76 percent of U.S. veterans and active duty military preparing to transition to civilian life are confident they can be successful in their private-sector careers. Despite this optimism, 66 percent believe their skills are undervalued by private sector employers.

The survey was published at the launch of the ‘Get Skills to Work’ coalition, which has been created to harness the existing skills of veterans by: accelerating training for careers in advanced manufacturing; helping veterans and employers translate military skills to in-demand advanced manufacturing positions; and empowering employers with tools to recruit, onboard and mentor veterans. Further details on the coalition can be found at www.GetSkillstoWork.org.

The online survey examined the professional attitudes and mindsets of more than 1,000 U.S. veterans and active duty military service members under the age of 45 who are transitioning to civilian careers.

Findings revealed that veterans seek the right training for their civilian careers just as they received in the military. Respondents particularly want skills training and education that can translate skills into stable, rewarding civilian careers that make a positive difference in the world.

“What stands out in this data is that veterans are motivated to make a difference beyond their military careers. Given their contributions, we must pay attention to the unique challenges and opportunities they face as they navigate the transition to civilian life,” said Mike Haynie, founder and executive director, IVMF. “There is a lot we can do to match the desire to work in dynamic, rewarding industries with training that creates a pathway for success.”

Key findings from the ‘Voice of the Veterans’ survey revealed:

Young veterans are optimistic about their civilian careers, but acknowledge a gap between the skills they gained in the military and the private-sector roles they can fill

Seventy-six percent of young veterans are confident they can be successful in their careers, despite the many challenges faced when transitioning to civilian life; and this confidence level increases with age
Sixty-six percent of respondents feel their skills are undervalued. Unparalleled work ethic, leadership, teamwork, discipline, and dedication are translatable skills they have to offer the civilian workforce
Seventy percent of respondents believe the skills they earned in the military align with a job in the manufacturing industry

Respondents believe their “Ideal Job” is within reach with proper education and training

Seventy-nine percent are motivated to find educational opportunities to help them find and advance their civilian career
Work/school balance (48%) and financial burdens (35%) pose barriers to their pursuit of education


Young veterans are looking beyond the basics of a stable, well-paying job with good benefits to a value-driven career

Seventy-six percent want a civilian career that makes a positive difference in the world
Seventy-eight percent seek a career that fills them with a sense of pride

Industry has a role in facilitating their transition to the private sector

Sixty-two percent of respondents believe that companies have a responsibility to provide veterans with opportunities to enter and succeed in the civilian job market, close behind the government (seventy-one percent)


Results of the ‘Voice of the Veterans’ survey were unveiled today as GE and the IVMF joined with business, digital, academic and not-for-profit partners to launch the Get Skills to Work coalition, aimed at bolstering the talent pipeline, enhancing American competitiveness and giving our nation’s veterans the skills and tools they need to compete for the jobs of the future. Coalition partners include The Manufacturing Institute, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Alcoa Inc. LinkedIn, Futures Inc., Atlantic Council, the Gary Sinise Foundation and Techshop.

“The U.S. manufacturing industry is growing, and we stand ready to provide our military veterans with the training, education and mentorship they are seeking to build long-term, well-paying careers that make a positive difference in the world,” said Frank Taylor, Chief Security Officer of GE. “The skills earned in the U.S. Armed Forces translate to today’s sophisticated, highly technical manufacturing industry, and we are confident that working together with America’s heroes, we are poised to drive American competitiveness.”