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May 1st, 2013 Contact: Carol Multack carol@vet2tech.org (312) 789-3115 AJ Jorgenson |
PRESS RELEASE
Get Skills to Work Coalition Announces Partnership with Vet2Tech
New partnership will increase career opportunities in advanced manufacturing for U.S. veterans
WASHINGTON, D.C. May 1, 2014: Get Skills to Work (GSTW), is pleased to announce a new partnership with Vet2Tech, a non‐profit organization that provides qualified veterans with scholarships for approved technical job training programs, a proven pathway to a manufacturing career.
Vet2Tech is training hundreds of veterans for open manufacturing positions. After completing training, veterans are guaranteed an in-person job interview with one of 875 companies in its database.
One such veteran is Calvin Beavers from Atlanta, GA. Calvin completed his training in November 2013 and is now employed as a service technician in food equipment manufacturing by Whaley Food Service in Norcross, GA.
“For me, the Vet2Tech program was a Godsend. After serving nine years in the U. S. Navy, I struggled to find work in the civilian sector. I was unemployed for two years. With a daughter and granddaughter to support, I needed to find a job that could support my family,” Calvin said. “I contacted my local Veterans Affairs office and learned about the Vet2Tech scholarship program.”
Calvin enrolled in the online technician‐training course to help him elevate the skills he already had. After completing the course, Calvin is now trained to repair and maintain equipment in the food equipment manufacturing industry.
“Vet2Tech fulfilled their promise to help me find a job after I finished the training course. I finished the training and was hired within two weeks. The training I received has been extremely helpful in the industry,” Calvin explained. “In this tough job market, I would not have been able to find a job without the help of Vet2Tech.”
“With over 40,000 veterans reached and 7,000 veterans hired, Get Skills to Work is making a difference in helping veterans transition to the civilian workforce. Our returning veterans have learned valuable skills through their service and have the fundamental skills to be successful in advanced manufacturing,” said Jennifer McNelly, president of The Manufacturing Institute. “With Vet2Tech joining the coalition, we will help create real opportunities for transitioning military to get the resources they need to access in-demand manufacturing.”
Vet2Tech president Carol Multack states, “Vet2Tech is committed to helping veterans train for new careers in advanced manufacturing. Helping veterans advance or hone the skills learned in the military benefits both the veteran and the manufacturing industry by establishing a well-trained workforce. We feel it is our duty to give back to the men and women who have put their lives on the line to serve our country.” She added, “Veterans develop exceptional leadership skills through their military career and possess a great deal of integrity and a strong work ethic as demonstrated by their commitment to service. These are the exact qualities valued in the present day workforce.”
Founded in October 2012, Get Skills to Work provides returning veterans with the new skills they need to compete for careers in advanced manufacturing, and empowers manufacturers with tools to recruit, onboard, and mentor veterans. Since its founding, more than 500 manufacturers have joined charter members GE, Alcoa, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and The Manufacturing Institute in the Get Skills to Work coalition.
Get Skills to Work focuses on accelerating skills training for U.S. veterans; helping veterans and employers translate military skills to in-demand advanced manufacturing positions; and, empowering employers with tools to recruit, onboard and mentor veterans. Vet2Tech’s partnership is a significant step in training military veterans for jobs in advanced manufacturing, bolstering the talent pipeline and enhancing U.S. competitiveness.
With more than 80 percent of manufactures citing a moderate to severe difficulty finding skilled workers, the manufacturing industry can play a key role in helping veterans return to the civilian workforce with the skills employers need. Get Skills to Work offers many fast‐track training programs, as well as a direct link to the manufacturers who need skilled workers.
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About Vet2Tech
Vet2Tech’s mission is to see all military veterans gainfully employed following their tour of duty. Vet2Tech provides scholarship funding to qualified veterans for enrollment in approved vocational training programs leading to sustainable wage jobs and career advancement opportunities in the food equipment manufacturing industry. With more than 875 hiring companies in their database and 15,000 jobs available nationwide, Vet2Tech takes aim at the unemployment rate of veterans.
About GE
GE is honored to have more than 10,000 U.S. military veterans continue their careers with the company and recently set a goal of hiring 1,000 veterans each year for the next five years. Through its partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes program, GE hired over 1,100 veterans in 2012 and has supported over 50 Hiring Our Heroes transition workshops, coaching over 3,700 veterans. GE is also an active member of and donor to several leading national military and veteran support organizations, such as Disabled American Veterans, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and the Medal of Honor Foundation, among others.
GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.ge.com.
About The Manufacturing Institute
The Manufacturing Institute (the Institute) is the 501(c)(3) affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers. As a non‐partisan organization, the Institute is committed to delivering leading‐edge information and services to the nation’s manufacturers. The Institute is the authority on the attraction, qualification and development of world‐class manufacturing talent. For more information, please visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.
