This Remembrance Day, Hire a Hero, Hire a Veteran: They Have What It Takes

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov. 9, 2015) - On Remembrance Day, consider hiring a veteran when planning your workforce. The job experts at Express Employment Professionals say veterans have the ideal attributes employers are looking for in new employees.

Canada's military men and women are admired worldwide for their skills, expertise, proven teamwork and leadership skills. During their years of service, Canadian veterans gain skills and experience in areas like planning, communication, management and the trades needed for today's economy.

Veterans continue to contribute their invaluable skills when they are hired for jobs after their time in the military.

"Employers always say they are looking for experience, and there's no doubt the rigorous military environment is the ideal proving ground, said Bob Funk, CEO of Express Employment Professionals. "In many ways, today's veterans define what a modern employee should look like."

Each year, about 7,600 Canadian Armed Forces personnel leave the Canadian Armed Forces.

Like Express Employment Professionals, Canada Company, a charitable, non-partisan organisation, assists military members, reservists, veterans and military spouses to find jobs. The organization's Military Employment Transition (MET) Program includes support for veterans and a network of employers. The program has helped more than 1,100 former military personnel find jobs in the civilian workforce since 2012, and the program continues to grow.

The MET Program has helped veterans find jobs in all industries across Canada; most prominently in the financial and consulting sector, oil and gas industry, trucking and logistics, aerospace and engineering, and IT/Telecommunications.

"Service in the Canadian military develops professional qualities, builds significant skills, and provides a variety of experience not found in most other areas of employment. Veterans bring these inherent traits and skills and consistently prove their value in the civilian workplace," said Kevin Cameron, Director MET, Canada Company.

Bob Funk, who has been in the jobs business for 50 years, agrees.

"Veterans have a great deal to offer to this country's workforce-employers should take advantage of their education, skills and readiness to work," said Funk. "This year, honour veterans and service to country with a good job."

If you would like to arrange for an interview with Bob Funk to discuss this topic, please contact Kellie Major at (613) 222-7488.

About Robert A. Funk

Robert A. "Bob" Funk is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment Professionals. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the international staffing company has franchises in the U.S., Canada and South Africa. Under his leadership, Express has put more than 5 million people to work worldwide. Funk served as the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and was also the Chairman of the Conference of Chairmen of the Federal Reserve.

About Express Employment Professionals and Express in Canada

Express Employment Professionals puts people to work. It generated $2.85 billion in sales and employed more than 456,000 people in 2014. Its long-term goal is to put a million people to work annually. Express launched in Canada in July 1996, with a franchise in London, Ontario, and since then, has expanded and grown across Canada significantly. There are currently 36 Express franchises in Canada - five in British Columbia, five in Alberta, two in Saskatchewan, 23 in Ontario and one in Nova Scotia.