A recent study through Michigan State University found that Michigan has the second highest rate of jobless veterans in the nation.
JOB CLUB: Bay Vets Foundation to Receive Resumes, Provide Job Info Friday
June 26, 2015
By: Dave Rogers
Unemployed veterans or other unemployed workers may drop off their resumes at a Job Club meeting Friday, July 10 at 8-9 a.m. at Room 128 in the Bay County Community Center, or call 989-239-4974.
Latest information on available jobs and job fairs will be available at the meeting. Many jobs are available in this area.
Assistance will be offered to unemployed military veterans and other unemployed persons seeking summer jobs in agriculture and construction, according to County Executive Thomas L. Hickner.
Mr. Hickner said Bay County is collaborating in the open sign-up that will be conducted by volunteers from the new Bay Veterans Foundation headed by Keith Markstrom.
"We are hoping to contact veterans who are out of work, especially those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan recently released from the service to help them make the transition from the military to the civilian workforce," said Markstrom.
"A recent study through Michigan State University found that Michigan has the second highest rate of jobless veterans in the nation. At the same time we also hope to help other unemployed non-veterans in need to find summer jobs."
A limited number of jobs in agriculture may be available periodically through the summer in this area and in other growing areas, according to the Michigan Workforce Development Office. The short-term seasonal jobs are mainly outdoor hand labor and most pay minimum wage.
Besides jobs available in agriculture, a statewide construction boom is placing heavy demand on construction employment, according to Harlan Holsing, executive director of the Bay County Home Builders Association. He said many local home builders are seeking laborers, especially those with training and/or experience in the construction field.
Applicants need to provide a resume of their qualifications including date of birth and must have transportation. A drivers' license is a definite plus.
Applications will be referred to Michigan Works, the Michigan Workforce Development Office, the Bay County Home Builders Association, or to employment placement agencies as appropriate, said Markstrom, adding: "We are hoping to facilitate the process of getting a summer job that may result in more permanent employment for military veterans and other people in need."
As a follow-up to this application process, updated lists of available jobs will be provided each Friday at a job club meeting throughout the summer from 8-9 a.m. at Room 128 in the community center.
More information is available by calling the Bay Veterans Foundation at 989-450-5109 or 989-239-4974.
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