ASSUMPTION - Agricultural manufacturer GSI Group formally joined a program aimed at helping soldiers returning to civilian life find jobs.

GSI signed a contract Monday to work with the Army in its Partnership for Youth Success, or PaYS, program to help recruit workers.

"We're thrilled to be the latest participant," said Tom Welke, president of GSI's grain division. "Having the type of employees with advanced skills is critical for our success."

GSI will post job openings at its corporate headquarters and dealers throughout the country for applicants coming out of service to access. Welke said the company especially is interested in those who have served in the Army because of the skills they might have in construction and electronics.

"Their discipline never hurts as well," he said.

GSI is one of more than 300 companies nationally to join the program. State Farm Insurance, John Deere and Caterpillar Inc. are among others on the list.

The Army wants to give people better opportunities for employment once they're done serving.

"They leave the Army with skills that are valuable to employers," said Maj. Dale Jones, executive officer of the U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion in Indianapolis. "The Army is one of the best places to get training. Those types of skills are ones a lot of companies are looking for."

Soldiers can check the listings and get start interviewing, even while serving overseas, Jones said.

Assumption Mayor Alan Hays is excited to see the company join a program that could help attract more employees to town.

"It's helpful for Assumption to see GSI grow and thrive," said Hays, who has worked for GSI for 15 years. "It's great to get people to move into town who work out here. Those residents don't have to travel very far to work, which is especially helpful with the way the economy is today."

Welke said hiring for many of the company's jobs has slowed for the season. The peak hiring season usually is January to July. He didn't have a target number of people to hire through the program but said openings would be filled as needed.

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