The Walt Disney Company is known for its support of veterans, military members and families. Over the past few years, they have made it easier for families to spend time together through their military special offer program providing theme park and hotel discounts. Now they are continuing to show their support of the military by launching a new program. Since Veterans can have trouble finding work immediately upon leaving the service, Heroes Work Here is aimed at helping returning veterans find employment within The Disney Company. The program is also investing in non-profit organizations that help train and support veterans and participating in community service projects with veterans organizations. It is an interesting approach, especially because Florida and California host two of the largest populations of military members. According to the Disney Parks Blog, Disney will:
- Provide at least 1,000 jobs, career opportunities for returning U.S. veterans over the next three years.
- Support military families and veterans transitioning into civilian life.
- Launch a national public awareness campaign to encourage job opportunities for veterans.
So, what job opportunities are we talking about? They’ll run the gamut from internships to leadership roles and span all segments of The Walt Disney Company. To support this effort, the company will host career fairs and participate in events showcasing job opportunities for returning military personnel.
At a time when many veterans are transitioning into the civilian workforce, it is encouraging to see companies like Disney create programs to help vets hit the ground running in civilian life. Hopefully more companies will follow suit and provide programs aimed at the end of a military career when anxiety about the job market is highest. Military members have a lot to offer the civilian world--their git-'er-done work ethic, their ability to be a part of a team, their leadership skills that emerge the minute you are responsible for the safety of someone else. The moment of transition is a place where corporate America can step up. Disney already has.
To learn more about the Walt Disney Company's "Heroes Work Here" program, you can find more information at the Disney Parks Blog or on the Disney Careers website.
