Closing the Gap How Veterans Strengthen Manufacturing and Cybersecurity Talent Pipelines

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Insights You'll Gain

With this resource you will learn to:

  • The scale of talent shortages in manufacturing and cybersecurity, particularly in Illinois.

  • How veterans’ technical skills, leadership, and discipline make them an underutilized workforce solution.

  • Barriers veterans face transitioning to civilian roles and strategies to overcome them.

  • Effective programs and pathways, including SkillBridge, Heroes MAKE America, Code Platoon, and apprenticeship models.

  • Practical steps for employers, policymakers, and workforce partners to build veteran-focused talent pipelines.
  • The measurable benefits of hiring veterans: higher retention, faster ramp-up, leadership development, and community impact.

This whitepaper explores how Illinois manufacturers and cybersecurity firms can address critical workforce gaps by strategically recruiting and supporting veterans. It highlights the barriers veterans face in transitioning to civilian roles, showcases successful programs and partnerships, and provides actionable steps for employers and policymakers to strengthen talent pipelines while improving economic resilience.

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