News Summary
Veterans Ny’sim Miller and Aaron Hewitt have found meaningful employment at Cooper Standard Automotive in Spartanburg, SC, thanks to the STAYS program. Launched to assist military veterans and their spouses, the program connects them with local employers, providing interview opportunities to ease their transition into civilian work. Cooper Standard, recognizing the value veterans bring, employs several veterans and continues to foster partnerships to improve employment rates. Both Miller and Hewitt express gratitude for their stable job opportunities that help pave their paths toward successful careers.
Spartanburg Veterans Find Meaningful Employment at Cooper Standard Automotive
Spartanburg, SC – Veterans Ny’sim Miller and Aaron Hewitt have successfully transitioned into civilian life by securing employment at Cooper Standard Automotive, a prominent manufacturer of durable seals for car doors. Their new roles come as a result of the state program STAYS (Stay to Apply Your Skills in South Carolina), which aims to assist veterans and their spouses in finding suitable employment opportunities post-military service.
The STAYS program, which launched in late 2024, has played a significant role in connecting veterans with more than 300 participating employers across South Carolina. This initiative is designed to address the challenges veterans face when re-entering the job market, providing them with at least five interview opportunities with participating companies. As of now, Cooper Standard Automotive employs just under 500 workers, including 25 veterans, demonstrating the company’s commitment to hiring those who have served in the military.
Employment Journey of Veterans
Ny’sim Miller has been part of the Cooper Standard team for approximately four months. Prior to joining the company, he encountered difficulties in securing a job that matched his skill set after completing his active duty service. With the support of the STAYS program, he found a role that not only aligns with his abilities but also offers the stability he was seeking. Aaron Hewitt, who recently joined Cooper Standard, spent most of his initial week in orientation, preparing to embrace his new position.
On May 28, 2025, William Floyd, the Executive Director of the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, visited Cooper Standard to acknowledge the valuable partnership between the company and the STAYS program. Floyd emphasized the critical need for enhancing employment opportunities for veterans, especially in South Carolina, where there are currently 70,000 open jobs requiring qualified candidates.
Support from Veterans in the Workforce
Josh Painter, a veteran who has been with Cooper Standard for 15 years, now serves as a supervisor and plays a crucial role in training newly hired veterans. Having experienced the transition challenges himself, Painter understands the unique difficulties younger veterans face as they make their way into the civilian workforce. His perspective and mentorship are vital for new employees navigating similar uncertain waters.
Cooper Standard’s Global Presence
In addition to its Spartanburg facility, Cooper Standard is recognized as a global supplier with a workforce of approximately 22,000 employees spread across 20 countries. The company’s acceptance of veterans is part of a broader initiative aimed at providing meaningful employment to those who have served in the military, ensuring they have the opportunity to reintegrate successfully into society.
Impact of the STAYS Program
The STAYS program has been instrumental in fostering partnerships between veterans and potential employers. It not only highlights the abilities and experiences veterans bring to the table but also aligns their skills with the needs of local businesses. This collaborative effort is crucial for reducing unemployment rates among veterans while also addressing workforce gaps in various industries.
Both Miller and Hewitt have expressed appreciation for their job opportunities at Cooper Standard. Miller shared his gratitude for finally securing a stable job that meets his needs, after a series of temporary roles that failed to provide the desired outcomes. Hewitt remains optimistic about his future within the company, looking forward to potential growth and advancement as he settles into his new position.
The ongoing commitment from Cooper Standard and the effectiveness of the STAYS program are sending a powerful message about the importance of supporting veterans transitioning into the civilian workforce. By connecting skilled individuals with employers willing to leverage their expertise, South Carolina continues to take significant steps toward enhancing employment opportunities for those who have dedicated their lives to serving the nation.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Veterans Employment Spartanburg
- Fox Carolina: Trump Administration Plans Cut 80,000 Employees from Veterans Affairs
- NBC News: Plans to Cut VA Contracts May Harm Veterans Care
- PR Newswire: Vets Indexes Employer Awards Opens for Applications
- BASF: Careers
- Wikipedia: Veteran’s Employment
- Go Upstate: Veteran Public Works Employees Recognized
- Google Search: Veterans Employment Spartanburg
- MILB: Spartanburgers Announce Job Fair
- Google Scholar: Veterans Employment Programs
