MILWAUKEE — IEWC has partnered with veteran development non-profit, Semper Forward, to launch a dedicated career placement program connecting transitioning service members and veterans with careers in manufacturing. The partnership creates a structured pathway for veterans entering the civilian workforce, pairing IEWC’s immediate hiring needs across its Wisconsin operations with Semper Forward’s network of candidates and career support resources.
Wisconsin lost approximately 9,500 manufacturing jobs between January 2025 and January 2026, driven largely by worker retirements that industry leaders say will only accelerate with the state’s aging workforce. Coincidingly, veteran unemployment is rising in 2026, with the overall rate climbing from 3.9 percent in December 2025 to 4.5 percent in January 2026. For IEWC, the partnership with Semper Forward addresses both challenges at once by putting veterans on a direct path into stable career with exceptional benefits and industry momentum.
“IEWC has been recognized as an award-winning workplace because we’re intentional about building a great culture and finding people who understand the value of excellence, discipline, and dedication. Veterans embody those qualities every day,” said Brian Hinton, Chief Human Resources Officer at IEWC. “Partnering with Semper Forward allows us to proactively seek out this exceptional talent and provide our veteran community with meaningful careers, real ownership through our ESOP retirement program, and opportunities in a growing industry where their skills make an immediate impact.”
IEWC is committed to turning the skilled labor shortage in Wisconsin into long-term stability for post-military careers. Semper Forward’s career specialists will work alongside IEWC’s talent acquisition teams to match veterans’ military occupational specialties (MOS) and experience to available roles, streamline the hiring process, and provide coaching and mentorship support as candidates navigate the transition from military service to civilian careers.
“Veterans have spent years developing skills in leadership, logistics, precision, and mission-driven teamwork — qualities that translate directly into high-performance careers in the wire and cable industry,” said Steve Janke, President of Semper Forward. “This partnership with IEWC is about giving those men and women a clear path to opportunity. Together, we are making sure that those who served our country can build a strong future in the civilian workforce.”
IEWC’s career pathway partnership with Semper Forward includes four core components:
- Dedicated Veteran Career Track: IEWC will establish a dedicated recruitment pathway for veterans referred through Semper Forward’s talent network.
- Military Skills Translation: Semper Forward will provide resume coaching and military-to-civilian skills translation to help veterans present their qualifications effectively.
- Onboarding & Mentorship Support: Veterans placed at IEWC will have access to peer mentorship programs and Semper Forward’s continued career coaching services during their transition.
- Community Outreach & Events: Both organizations will collaborate on veteran hiring events, career fairs, and community outreach to increase awareness of opportunities in the wire, cable, and connectivity sector.
IEWC is currently hiring positions across its Wisconsin facilities following its recent acquisitions, ranging from entry-level Electrical Assembler roles to advanced assembly positions for candidates with an electrical background. All positions are full-time with immediate benefits and paid on-the-job training. Veterans interested in opportunities through the Semper Forward partnership can visit iewc.com/careers.
