Veterans - Unlocking Canada's Hidden Workforce: How to Hire Career-Transitioning Military, Veterans with Trade & Technical Expertise
- sal914
- Aug 19
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 4
The Underrated Hiring Strategy: Hire Skilled Career-Transitioning CAF Veterans.
Each year, an average of 8,200 CAF members transition to civilian life, with many bringing high-demand skills in trades, logistics, and tech. Yet most companies either overlook them—or fail to reach them entirely. Only one medium reliably connects with them both on and off base: military base newspapers, not smartphones or Instagram ads.
Here’s why connecting with this audience through trusted local channels is one of the smartest hiring moves you can make.
Why Hire Veterans in Canada?
Thousands Are Releasing Annually – Canada's Department of Veterans Affairs reports about 8,200 CAF members release each year, half of whom are actively seeking civilian careers.
Highly Skilled, Battle-Tested – Many of these individuals leave with training in trades, technical roles, logistics, healthcare, and leadership—skills that are increasingly scarce in civilian industries.
Reliability and Discipline – Veterans come with a built-in work ethic rooted in structure, teamwork, and adaptability—qualities that reduce onboarding friction and cost.
How to reach Military & Veterans in Canada?
Smartphone surfing in uniform? Still taboo. Effective on-shift cell phone communication to CAF members remains restricted. Base newspapers, however, are distributed and read—no screen required.
Tangible, trusted, local to Base. These print & e-editions are seen as essential reading in the military community, not just another ad in the feed.
Industries That Stand to Benefit the Most
Sector | How Veterans Fit the Need |
Trades & Industrial | Veterans trained in purple trades (e.g., logistics, engineering) are skilled & ready to deploy. |
Construction & Engineering | Skilled in fieldwork, technical drawing, equipment repair, fleet repair, safety protocols and much more. |
Logistics & Supply Chain | CAF veterans have hands-on experience coordinating supply chains and assets. |
Healthcare & Tech | Military medics and IT specialists bring high-pressure training to the table. |
Numbers Speak Louder Than Stories
While Base Public Affaires hasn't release percentage per trade, there are around 8,200 skilled transitioning Military & veterans annually which is equivalent to staffing a medium-sized facility, every year !
With trades still facing severe shortages (e.g., countless unfilled roles in Ontario), tapping into this Veteran cohort is both logical and urgent.
How to Start Recruiting Veterans Effectively
Target base media channels: Advertise in military base newspapers and associated digital portals. Various marketing options > BaseNewspaper.com
Lean on an insider with over 20 years of experience: I’ve been the go-to marketer for businesses trying to reach CAF and veteran audiences Nationally & locally.
Promote recruitment with respect: Military communities value authenticity and are themselves down on staff but our skilled career transitioning folks could really benefit from your hiring message should it be credible, respectful, and straightforward.
No better way to reach skilled Military & Veterans
With over two decades connecting employers to Canada's veteran talent, Base Newspapers still outperform big media in reaching boots-on-the-ground DND and local vets.
If you want direct access to this skilled and disciplined workforce, start recruiting veterans today.
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