Trying to help returning veterans find work in Southeast Michigan? Below are some great facts about this highly skilled population that is ready to apply its military experience here on the Southeast Michigan talent front. Read on for a listing of in-demand occupations that may be relevant for returning vets. (Need reasons to hire a Vet? Here are ten great ones.)
1. Southeast Michigan contains nearly 50% of the total veteran population in the state, with a total of 314,688 veterans1. The veteran population comprises 6% of the total population in the region2.
2. In 2011, about 2.4 million of the nation’s veterans had served during Gulf War era II. About 17 percent of these veterans were women, compared with 3 percent of veterans from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam era. About half of all Gulf War-era II veterans were between ages 25 and 34.
3. Nationally, young male veterans (those ages 18 to 24) who served during Gulf War era II (September 2001-present) had an unemployment rate of 29.1 percent in 2011, higher than that of young male nonveterans (17.6 percent)3.
4. Though unemployment is high for all youngest veterans (between ages 18-25), Gulf War era II veterans had the highest unemployment rate (12%) when compared from veterans from other conflicts.
5. Veterans with higher educational attainment find it easier to find employment regardless of age, sex, conflict, or branch of service.6. In a 2011 U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee report4, the state of Michigan topped the list of highest unemployment for veterans at 29.4%. This is more than twice the unemployment rate at the time (10.3%).
7. The State of Michigan estimates that in 2012 there could be between 7,000 – 9,000 veterans returning to Michigan. Many are associated with the National Guard and Reserves, and still have jobs or have opportunities they are returning to.
8. There are 65 Workforce Development Agency veterans representatives across the state, most embedded at Michigan Works! service centers. They are funded through a national program (not state money) that filters through the state. In 2011 these representatives helped place 7,800 vets back to work in Michigan.1. Data supplied by the US Department of Veterans Affairs through the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
2. By county, the proportion of veterans to total population ranges from 4.8% in Washtenaw County to 8.3% in St. Clair County.
3. Bureau for Labor Statistics Employment Situation for Veterans – 2011. USDL-12-0493 Veterans are men and women who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and were not on active duty at the time of the survey. Gulf War-era II veterans served anywhere in the world at any time since September 2001.
4. Understanding the Economy: State-by-State Snapshots. Joint Economic Committee during the 112th Congress. Includes data through May 2011.