Military veterans returning to civilian life have a new tool for education and job connections with an assistance program unveiled today.
“Boots to Suits” seeks to link veterans with business-sector mentors, provide internships with employers, offer job leads, and equip graduating veterans with business attire to wear for job interviews.
The program is sponsored by the University of Colorado Denver and the Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce.
“While many universities have veteran enrollment programs, CU Denver Boots to Suits is different,” said Jerry Wartgow, CU Denver chancellor. “We go beyond supporting our veterans while they’re pursuing a degree to helping them transition into the workforce.”
The university and the chamber recently conducted a survey of Denver-area employers. Results showed that most think veterans hold strong leadership skills, have a high degree of integrity and are adept at leading a team.
However, half of respondents expressed concerns about hiring a veteran, citing, concerns about post-traumatic stress disorder and applicability of skills in a business setting.
“The program addresses head-on the issues that keep our veterans’ unemployment numbers higher than average,” said Kelly Brough, president and chief executive of the Denver Metro Chamber. “We know that the skills honed serving our country can absolutely benefit our business community. These dedicated Americans deserve more than a heartfelt ‘thank you’ when they return home. They deserve a great career.”
Other Boots to Suits initiatives being developed include mock employment interviews, CEO panel discussions and sessions with human resources experts.
Information on the program is availableor by calling 303-556-2745.
Steve Raabe: 303-954-1948 or sraabe@denverpost.com
