CLEVELAND, OH - July 7, 2011 - The Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network (MAGNET) today announced it is launching a pilot project to match returning U.S. Veterans with specific training for key manufacturing jobs available in Northeast Ohio such as machinists, inspection/quality technicians and equipment maintenance personnel.

"There are many jobs at manufacturing companies in Northeast Ohio that are still unfilled even with today's high unemployment rate. These unfilled jobs typically require technical skills and competencies not widely found in the general unemployed population. Our belief is that many returning veterans have some of the core technical skills that can meet the needs of manufacturers in the region. Accordingly, MAGNET has developed a program that will identify, train and match returning veterans with existing jobs at area manufacturing companies that are unfilled due to a lack of appropriately skilled applicants," said Daniel E. Berry, President and Chief Executive Officer of MAGNET.

MAGNET is partnering with the Veterans' Services group of the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services (ODJFS) on the program which is funded by an award from the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration. Among the open skilled jobs at manufacturers in the region are machinists, inspection/quality technicians and equipment maintenance personnel.

"Our mission is to provide policies and procedures regarding the veterans programs and services necessary for Ohio to implement the Jobs for Veterans Act. Our goal is to alleviate unemployment and underemployment for veterans and other eligible persons. We place maximum emphasis in meeting the employment needs of veterans who are economically and educationally disadvantaged.

ODJFS Veterans Services works to ensure that veterans are treated with courtesy and respect at all ODJFS affiliated offices and that veterans are given priority for referrals to job openings and other services. ODJFS Veterans Representatives provide intensive services and outreach to veterans who are unable to obtain employment through regular One-Stop Core Services and provide business outreach services and education on veteran's issues," said Mone' Givner, Region 2 Veterans Program Manager of the Office of Workforce Development of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

Several Northeast Ohio legislators, including Senators Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman, Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge and Congressman Dennis Kucinich expressed support for the program matching returning veterans with jobs in manufacturing.

"I pressed for $200,000 in grant funding for the MAGNET pilot project because, through this initiative, our economy wins. More importantly, our veterans – who stood in harm's way to protect America's freedom – win the brighter future they've earned. This is the right initiative at the right time. I commend MAGNET for providing a missing link to putting our veterans back to work. We have employers in Northeast Ohio who are ready to hire. MAGNET now has the resources to ensure our returning veterans will be ready to fill those positions," said Congresswoman (OH-11) Marcia L. Fudge.

"Our investment in our service members shouldn't end when they return home, just as our veterans' service to our country does not stop when they leave the military. From leadership experience to technical and scientific skills, veterans are key to our nation's economic competitiveness. Today, the unemployment rate for young veterans is 27 percent – which is simply unacceptable. That's why I have sponsored a bill, the Hiring Heroes Act, that would ensure that veterans can get the training they need to fill good-paying jobs in industries like manufacturing. I applaud MAGNET for launching this initiative, which will not only benefit our state's veterans, but also Ohio's economy at the same time," said Senator Sherrod Brown.

MAGNET and the ODJFS are inviting area manufacturers to two information sessions being held to explain how their companies can take advantage of filling their open jobs by hiring returning veterans.

The first session will be held in Cleveland on Tuesday morning, July 19 at MAGNET headquarters, 1768 East 25th Street, from 8:30 to 11 a.m.

The second session will be held in Akron on Thursday, July 28 at the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services, 1040 East Tallmadge Avenue, from 8:30 to 11 a.m.

Advance registration is required and can be obtained by calling MAGNET's Linda Barita at 877-476-9634 or emailing to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .