Walt Disney World Resort will hold its very first Veterans Institute workshop on November 14th to encourage other companies to employ former servicemen and women when they search for jobs in the private sector after returning home. The workshop is co-sponsored by Disney’s military program Heroes Work Here as well as Disney Institute.
The goal of the workshop is to help companies learn more about the importance of hiring veterans, as well as to support them in the hiring and training process. The day-long event will feature several keynote speakers, including Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden.
The First and Second Ladies have made supporting military families and veterans a main focus in their agendas. Together they created Joining Forces, a program that supports current servicemen and women, veterans, and their families in finding work when they come home. The program works to help companies realize the benefits of hiring veterans, which makes Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden perfect choices as speakers at The Veterans Institute.
The workshop will also feature other renowned speakers, customized Disney Institute courses, advice from top veteran experts and organizations, and personal stories from veterans about their transitions from the military to the private sector.
I think this is a good example of Disney demonstrating their leadership skills within the industry. Hiring and supporting veterans and their families has always been important to Disney, and they’ve continually demonstrated their commitment through their Heroes Work Here initiative, the VoluntEARS program for their employees, and of course the various discounts offered to military families. The Veterans Institute workshop is not only another way to spread the word about the importance of veterans, it’s also an opportunity for Disney to inspire other companies to follow their lead and implement more opportunities for members of the U.S. military.