With extensive military training and experience, many Veterans have already gained the requisite skills and knowledge that translate to postsecondary competencies required for energy careers. At the same time they are stymied by a lack of transparent pathways to postsecondary credentials and subsequently, successful job placement and career advancement.

As the incoming Chair of the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), Tom Farrell, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Dominion, has launched a new initiative through the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) called Troops to Energy Jobs.

The Troops to Energy Jobs initiative can help enlarge the pool of potential applicants for energy-industry jobs that need to be filled now and in the coming years with some of the most respected members of our society—Veterans. With the work ethic, communication and leadership skills, Veterans from all branches are highly desirable employees for energy companies. Energy companies know the advantages of hiring Veterans and many, including Dominion, have been voted Top Military Employers by GI Jobs Magazine.

CEWD will work with key national partners including the Department of Defense, the Department of Labor, the Department of Energy, the American Council on Education, ACT, Inc. and Kuder, Inc. to create a unique pathway between the military and jobs in energy. The initial pilot project will include selected utilities that are part of the elite group of Top Military Employers and that work in states with strong State Energy Workforce Consortia.

As the industry moves towards a minimum of an associate’s degree for many of its technical positions, Veterans will have the opportunity to apply college credit for their military education and experience as well as other avenues through CEWD’s partnership with the American Council on Education’s CREDIT service, therefore accelerating the attainment of a degree. In addition, the initiative will include the development of curriculum that will bridge the gaps between the military education and experience and the skills needed to be successful in specific energy careers. This coursework will be available online and will utilize an accelerated approach.

The Troops to Energy Jobs Model is built on the principles of:

  • Targeted outreach and support for former military personnel from recruiting to employment.
  • A system of curriculum leading to a portable articulated portfolio of credentials and degrees with the opportunity to embark on accelerated pathways.
  • Employer involvement in all phases of workforce development leading to employment.

The ultimate goal of the Troops to Energy Jobs model is to provide Veterans employment in rewarding careers with the opportunity for advancement. With a nearly 50% of the energy workforce leaving due to retirement or attrition over the next five years, those earning post-secondary credentials will find numerous opportunities in the energy industry.There are several in-demand job categories where energy companies focus their military hiring, including:

  • Lineworkers
  • Technicians
  • Engineers
  • Plant Operators
  • Security Officers

The Troops to Energy Jobs initiative is built on the successful Get Into Energy Career Pathways Model developed by CEWD. The model was most recently adapted for low- income young adults and an eight state implementation pilot is being funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and CEWD members. Aspects of this program that are being modified specifically for Veterans and provide a number of advantages to this population, including:

  • A customized approach for each individual Veteran
  • The opportunity to learn about careers that match their military training and experience
  • College credit for their military training and experience
  • Connection to other Veterans who have transitioned to the energy industry through mentoring and virtual networking
  • Accelerated training opportunities as Veterans shift to industry careers
  • Stackable credentials that are portable from company to company
  • Availability of extensive resources in one place

The Troops to Energy Jobs program offers Veterans opportunities to enter the industry seamlessly, regardless of their geographic location or targeted company. All Troops to Energy Jobs Employers are committed to providing:

  • Career coaches and mentors to support Veteran recruits
  • Financial support for Veterans enrolled in the company program, including tuition reimbursement, payment for ACE credit reviews, and employability skills credentials
  • Internship opportunities to Veterans while they make the transition to civilian employment
  • Support for virtual networking of Veterans
  • The commitment to interview / hire Veterans from the initiative who meet qualifications

Energy companies will find great value in the Troops to Energy Job programs. Veterans make top-notch employees and offer their employers advantages such as:

  • Outstanding work ethic
  • Foundational skills that are lacking in other recruits
  • Leadership skills
  • Service attitude critical to energy industry jobs
  • Understanding the critical nature of safety in the industry

In addition, the Veteran population provides the ethnic and gender diversity for which energy companies are striving to create a workforce reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. Overlaying the many advantages of Veteran hires is the opportunity for the energy industry to help those who have dedicated their lives to serving their country.

The Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) is a non-profit consortium of electric, natural gas and nuclear utilities and their associations. CEWD was formed to help utilities work together to develop solutions to the coming workforce shortage in the utility industry. It is the first partnership between utilities, their associations, contractors and unions to focus on the need to build a skilled workforce pipeline that will meet future industry needs.