National Program Helps Veterans Transition to New Jobs in the American Maritime Industry
HOUSTON, TX – Currently more than 720,000 servicemen and women are still out of work, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The U.S. maritime industry’s goal is to provide those veterans with an opportunity to maximize their professional strengths. On Wednesday, September 3, 2014 from 1pm to 5pm, the American Maritime Partnership will bring its “Military2Maritime” program and career fair to the Port of Houston to help connect the nation’s servicemen and women with jobs in the American maritime industry that support families and build communities.
“We believe the maritime industry is an especially good fit for our nation’s veterans,” said Matt Woodruff with Houston’s Kirby Corporation. “American maritime needs the talent and expertise that current and former members of the armed forces have as the industry continues to experience steady growth. The best part about the Military2Maritime program, for many of the positions available in the industry, no prior maritime experience is necessary.”
Participants in Houston’s Military2Maritime Career Fair on September 3 will have the opportunity to meet with recruiters and HR staff from more than forty organizations large and small, as well as maritime unions and schools; attend seminars on marine licensing and transition; take vessel tours; and visit with crew members and industry personnel who are veterans and made the transition to the maritime industry.
“There are many aspects of the maritime industry that relate to duties and responsibilities inside the military, which is why so many of our colleagues are veterans,” said Mike Russo, United States Marine Corps veteran and SIU Port Agent, Port of Houston. “One of the biggest challenges is learning how to apply skills learned during our service to workplaces outside the military. For many veterans, life on the outside can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to looking for a new job. This is why the Military2Maritime program is so important.”
For more information or to register to attend, please visit americanmaritimepartnership.com/military2maritime or call the career fair info line at 713-435-1599.
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MEDIA NOTE: Credentialed media interested in attending the Military2Maritime event or interviewing local veterans who have made the transition from military to maritime are encouraged to contact the American Maritime Partnership at info@Americanmaritimepartnership.com.
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