Hire A Veteran Month —Success Stories
Returning veteran praises Weisenberger and Fergus Falls WFC
DEED's Veterans Employment Services Unit continues to work at reintegrating returning veterans, including those with disabilities, into civilian life. One such veteran who has benefited from these efforts is Tyler Halvorson. Halvorson is a veteran who had served in Iraq and had many duties including driving, a dangerous activity. Last fall, Halvorson met with John Weisenberger, a veterans employment representative at the WorkForce Center (WFC) in Fergus Falls, because the job he held prior to being deployed with his National Guard Unit was no longer a fit: It required more driving. As a result of Tyler's experiences driving in Iraq, he was unable to drive without becoming very nervous, especially in traffic.
"We reviewed his job skills and Tyler decided the electrical field had become his best option," said Weisenberger. "The major obstacle to overcome was lack of education and work experience, so I arranged for him to receive on-the-job training through a partner."
Weisenberger then connected Tyler to Vinco Inc., an electrical contracting company that is involved in all areas of electrical contracting, including wind and cellular communication towers. As a result, Tyler landed a job as an electrical apprentice. And Vinco is pleased to have hired him.
"Tyler is doing a great job for us and is a valued employee," said Kelly Swanson, his training supervisor at Vinco. "His work ethic and character are top notch. We are very proud to have a veteran working for us."
"John [Weisenberger] and the WorkForce Center staff were very helpful to me," said Halvorson. "John was great, very encouraging. After only two and a half weeks he connected me with my current employer at Vinco. Now I'm an electrician apprentice and I love my job. Making the career change was what I really wanted, and John and the WorkForce Center staff helped make it possible. I even received funding for clothing and tools for my new job, thanks to the Dislocated Worker Program."
Halverson also expressed his gratitude to Vinco for giving him the career opportunity.