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The Seafarers’ International Union says it’s found a way to recruit highly-skilled and valuable sailors for its ships on the Great Lakes. It’s recruiting Canada’s military veterans. The union says military skills and training fit perfectly on board a ship, no matter where they come from and want veterans to sign up.
Navy vet John Jansen was laid off from the navy but he’s excited to go back to sea with a civilian freighter on the Great Lakes.
“I eat drink and breathe navy right? So i just love the opportunity to get back onto a ship and be a part of something big. It’s about the opportunity to be a part of something, the camaraderie, the whole aspect of being on board ship is totally different than any civilian job you could ever think about.”
The new program is supported by the federal government. It gives priority to military veterans in recruiting civilian sailors.
James Given from the Seafarers’ Union says it’s a good feeling.
“We owe it to our veterans to do something more than thank them for their service and they are also doing something very good for us which is helping us find the skills and the dedication we need to man our vessels.”
According to reports, the shipping industry is short about ten percent of their workforce. That adds up to more than 500 sailors. With some veterans struggling in a civilian world after combat in Afghanistan, Given says it’s a perfect fit.
The first six military veterans are now shipping out for their new careers on the great lakes. There could be hundreds more. The union says it’s open to any vets and there are no limits on where the new career can go.
