More than 30,000 manufacturing jobs are available in Illinois, according to officials at the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The department hosted an event Wednesday at Excel Foundry and Machine in Pekin to help veterans connect with area-manufacturing employers.
Event organizers say the event was less about filling positions immediately, and more focused on educating veterans about the opportunities available in the industry.
Rodrigo Garcia is an assistant director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs. He says his department organized a similar event in Schaumburg last year. Garcia says events like these give employers and veterans a chance to network and learn.
About 50 veterans registered for the Pekin event. Officials say they hope to continue the effort and encourage all former members of the military to participate. For more information on veteran employment http://www2.illinois.gov