Business leaders collaborate to facilitate veteran recruitment solutions

AUSTIN, Texas – Jan. 22, 2015 – The Austin Chamber of Commerce and Fort Hood’s leadership today announce Operation Austin, a first-of-its-kind partnership designed to bridge critical talent gaps in Central Texas and position Austin as one of the leaders in the nation in veteran recruitment.

Through the coalition, Fort Hood and the Austin Chamber are developing new programs to connect Austin businesses with veteran talent, provide consolidated labor market research on Central Texas jobs and resources, and create an Austin startup accelerator advisor team for veterans interested in becoming entrepreneurs.

To kick off Operation Austin, the Chamber plans to host a major job fair recruiting event at Fort Hood on Feb. 26. High-growth Central Texas employers will have exclusive access to recruiting separating veterans and their spouses at the event. The job fair is expected to attract at least 1,000 potential candidates and approximately 50 local Austin companies.

"Each month approximately 600-800 soldiers separate from Fort Hood. Many are interested in staying in Central Texas," said Colonel Matthew Elledge, Garrison Commander at Fort Hood. "These men and women wrote a blank check in service to their country. We are honored to collaborate with the Austin Chamber of Commerce and Central Texas employers on this new, joint mission: Support veterans and their spouses in earning a great paycheck as they build new lives following their service.”

Recent Fort Hood data shows that 99 percent of all commissioned officers will have a Bachelor's degree or higher, and 1,700 Fort Hood soldiers currently have STEM-related degrees. In addition, more than 2,700 enlisted soldiers have a medical and allied health-related Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs), and more than 3,200 have IT-related MOSs. Other soldiers also bring management, administrative and technical skills, certifications and/or degrees as potential employees.

"Austin is in need of trained talent to power our high-growth IT and healthcare sectors," said Jeff Browning, 2014 Vice Chair of Talent Development for the Austin Chamber of Commerce, and Recruitment Partner of Austin Ventures. "We continue to look for creative and innovative ways to bring talent to Central Texas, and utilizing this un-tapped talent pool is a win for both Fort Hood and Central Texas communities."

For Central Texas employers interested in participating in the Feb. 26 job fair, please visit: austinchamber.com/forthood.

For more information on the Chamber's work in education and talent development, visit: http://www.austinchamber.com/education-talent/job-market/.