National Program Helps Veterans Transition to New Jobs in the American Maritime Industry
More than 400 veterans attended a Military2Maritime career fair this week sponsored by the American Maritime Partnership (AMP), the voice of the domestic maritime industry. The event was hosted by the Port of Houston and is part of a national program to help connect the nation’s servicemen and women with jobs in the American maritime industry that support families and build communities. The domestic maritime industry’s goal is to provide the more than 720,000 servicemen and women out of work with an opportunity to maximize their professional strengths.
“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 had the opportunity to meet with recruiters and HR staff from more than fifty 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 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.”
