As part of its ongoing commitment to promoting and generating awareness around career opportunities in the collision repair industry, Service King on Tuesday hosted U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) inside its Tacoma, Washington, repair center.

The visit, which featured key Service King leaders and on-site teammates, provided Kilmer a firsthand look at Service King’s growing operations and continued investment in developing career paths for the next generation of the automotive repair workforce.

“From its public commitment to hire 500 veterans and military family members in five years to investing in the next generation of automotive technicians and operating a vibrant, growing business, Service King continues to provide great opportunities to folks in our region,” said Kilmer. “I look forward to the continued positive impact its team makes in the future.”

Service King is currently invested in several recruiting and industry advocacy programs, including its “Mission 2 Hire” initiative, apprentice development program, service advisor internship program and more.

The Mission 2 Hire initiative, launched in May 2015, has resulted in the hiring of more than 100 military veterans and spouses in its first year. Service King officials have pledged to hire at least 500 veterans and military spouses through the program in the next five years. The company’s apprentice development program is providing technicians training experience at 16 locations across the U.S., including an ongoing program in Tacoma, Washington.

“Service King and our teammates are honored to visit with a leader who shares our passion for promoting gainful career opportunities to Washington and nearby residents,” said Wesley McAlester, Service King market vice president. “Congressman Kilmer’s visit was a valuable experience for all of our teammates as we continue to build Service King into a beacon of opportunity for area residents.”