CHICAGO -

In a quest to help returning military service personnel locate civilian jobs, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association has introduced a new initiative to provide automotive sales training and employment opportunities.

The initiative, dubbed Operation Troop Train, is a partnership between the CATA and the Illinois Department of Employment Security, which is helping to identify 40 qualified and interested veterans to participate in the program.

The selected candidates will undergo two days of training at CATA headquarters, set for May 13-14, immediately followed by a job fair filled by CATA with representatives from local dealerships, who will meet with the candidates and discuss potential job openings.

According to IDES data, the CATA noted that while unemployment among veterans in Illinois averaged 7.8 percent last year, that number jumped to 20.4 percent for Gulf War II veterans between the ages of 18 and 24. Veterans from that era between ages 25 and 34 had an unemployment rate of 10.6 percent.

CATA officials noted the value of military training and easily-transferable skills to employers.

“Some of the best employees at my dealerships are veterans,” said CATA chair Kurt Schiele. “Servicemen and women are willing to put their life on the line for their job; if that doesn’t show commitment and dedication, I don’t know what does.

“The desired outcome with Operation Troop Train is to provide local vets with the training and tools they need to succeed, and help them make a connection that could benefit both the candidate and the employer,” Schiele said. “We have all the right resources in place and we’re excited to put them to good use.”

 

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