| An innovative strategy designed to recruit people leaving the military to Wichita has launched. The initiative, Home Base Wichita, led by the Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas and partners including the Greater Wichita Partnership, the Greater Wichita Area Veterans Advocacy Board, and the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce, received initial funding through the City of Wichita as part of an economic recovery strategy for small business and individuals impacted by COVID-19. Julie Sanders, a veteran who has worked in businesses throughout Wichita, is leading the effort, serving as Director of Military Employment Strategy at the Workforce Alliance. In this role, she will work with businesses seeking skilled employees who are leaving the military, as well as their spouses, veterans, and other military-connected individuals. A key goal of Home Base Wichita is to help grow the Wichita Regional economy by expanding the labor pool. “It is estimated 26,000 people transition from Active Duty every year in the Midwest. Wichita and the surrounding regions are well-positioned to be the home of choice for anyone who wants to build a post-military career,” Sanders said. With the influx of cybersecurity firms as well as aviation, manufacturing, and healthcare industries, individuals with military experience and security clearances are a prime target for employers in the region. “The program focuses on recruiting and retaining transitioning military and their spouses to come to Wichita,” Sanders said. The program assists veterans from all branches of the military, National Guard, and Reserve. Home Base Wichita created a website to appeal to veterans and military-connected individuals, while also providing resources for local employers to find and retain employees with key skill sets already in place based on military service. Training funds, up to $2,500 per hire, are also available to assist small businesses in hiring qualified veterans. Details are available at www.homebasewichita.com. “We are excited to participate in Home Base Wichita as an expanded strategy of Choose Wichita, highlighting the Wichita region as a destination of choice following service for military men and women and their families,” Jeff Fluhr, Greater Wichita Partnership said. |