Each year, around 200,000 Americans who bravely served our country transition out of the military, and many seek the support they need to embark on new career journeys that harness their talents and foster their growth. It’s also very important to remember that more than 760,000 Americans serve in the reserves and National Guard – most of them working in the civilian labor force in addition to their military duties.
There are currently more than 285,000 current and former U.S. military service members living in Minnesota, nearly 140,000 of whom are of working age. Nearly 40,000 veterans call the 13 counties of Central Minnesota home. Of veterans between the ages of 18-64 in Central Minnesota, 78% are in the labor force, that’s more than 13,000 Central Minnesota veterans.
Nationally, the manufacturing industry employs the third largest percentage of veterans among all industries. A full 11.5% of all manufacturing employees across the country are veterans. Veterans are a natural fit for manufacturing – and the reasons go far beyond patriotism. As the industry faces a shortage of skilled workers, veterans offer a mission-ready solution with proven capabilities. Read the full article in the Central Minnesota Manufacturers Association 2025 Tour of Manufacturing virtual magazine.
- Current and former U.S. military service members, contact your regional Veterans Employment Specialist
- Employers, contact your regional Veterans Employment Representative for help hiring veterans
