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CEWD Introduces DOL’s Military Advisors to Careers in Energy

The U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans’ Employment and Training Service Office, has launched a pilot program aimed at increasing the number of transitioning service members and spouses hired from the military into registered apprenticeships. The pilot will run from April 2020 through early 2021 and will take place at eight military installations across the country. CEWD recently presented information about careers in energy to the 16 advisors, Apprenticeship Program Coordinators (APCs), who will be working with the military personnel and introducing them to viable apprenticeship-driven career opportunities to pursue once their service concludes.

Military recruiters from Dominion, Entergy, Pike, and Southern Company joined CEWD for an informational presentation that covered facts and stats about the energy sector and addressed the industry’s culture and its similarities to the military. Presenters spoke about key jobs, earning potential, opportunities for growth, and apprenticeship training that is provided throughout the industry. The spokespeople, all veterans themselves, talked about their roles in the military and addressed their successful transition into industry careers.

The APCs were introduced to the Troops to Energy Jobs site and learned where they could find specific information to assist the service members, such as a list of CEWD member companies who are Troops to Energy Jobs Employers, the job posting platform that is updated daily, the veteran registration domain where service members can register, and they met Karl Cristopher, CEWD’s virtual career coach, who is available to all service members seeking information about energy careers.

CEWD’s Troops to Energy Jobs Program Manager, Rosa Schmidt, will serve as the energy industry’s primary point of contact for the placement coordinators, connecting them with company military recruiters as questions and source requests arise. Should CEWD members be interested in connecting with the APCs, they may arrange to do so at the pilot program locations:

Army

  • Fort Bragg, NC
  • Fort Bliss, TX

Navy

  • Naval Station, Norfolk, VA
  • Naval Station, San Diego, CA

Air Force

  • Nellis AFB, NV
  • Travis AFB, CA

Marine Corps

  • MCAS Cherry Point, NC
  • MCAS Miramar, CA

It should be noted that those served at these military bases may be searching for career opportunities anywhere in the country.

CEWD continues to create connections with veteran organizations to raise awareness of industry careers, enabling them to share information about the industry with those they serve.

Should you have any questions about this pilot, please reach out to Rosa Schmidt at rosa@cewd.org.