Goodyear a top 100 military friendly employer

In the USA Goodyear has been named a Top 100 Military Friendly Employer by GI Jobs magazine for the second consecutive year. The listing, drawn from a long list of more than 5,000 companies, recognises the company’s efforts to hire and support veteran employees, with companies selected based on the results of a data-driven survey on veteran-related programs and policies.

“At Goodyear, we recognize the value that veterans bring to the workplace and we’re proud to employ many men and women who’ve bravely served our country,” said Gary Van der Lind, Goodyear North America’s vice president of human resources. “It’s a great honour to have our efforts recognized by GI Jobs and to be named a Military Friendly Employer.”

Criteria for selection to the Top 100 list included the strength of company military recruiting efforts, the percentage of new hires with prior military service, retention programs, and company policies on National Guard and Reserve service.

Goodyear was also recognized for its 2012 commitment to hire 1,000 veterans over three years, which the company is on track to accomplish. Goodyear’s company profile, including open positions that are a fit for military personnel, can be found on MilitaryFriendly.com.

“The 2014 Military Friendly Employers represent the preeminent tier of companies with strong military recruitment programs and meaningful job opportunities for transitioning service members and spouses seeking civilian employment,” said Sean Collins, vice president for Victory Media and a nine-year Navy veteran. “Our Military Friendly Employers constitute the group of companies actually moving the needle and hiring from the military community. The 2014 Military Friendly Employers reported hiring over 117,000 service members and spouses over the last 12 months, representing an average of 14 per cent of total new hires.”

Goodyear is the largest producer of military tires in the US; it hosts events at US military bases throughout the year, hiring qualified veterans as part of its workforce, and bringing service men and women a chance to interact with race drivers and take rides on the Goodyear Blimp. The company also supports members of the US Armed Forces and their families through its annual “Goodyear Gives Back” campaign, which has generated more than $800,000 in donations for the Support Our Troops non-profit organisation since beginning in 2010.