David J. Barton
General Electric, Alcoa Inc., Boeing and Lockheed Martin are launching a new coalition that will train military veterans for jobs in advanced manufacturing, according to a GE statement.
Called Get Skills to Work and managed by the Manufacturing Institute, the training program aims to bolster the talent pipeline and enhance American competitiveness.
The program will be offered in 10 states, with the goal to train 100,000 veterans by 2015.
“A strong manufacturing industry is central to the long-term health and success of our economy,“ said Jeff Immelt, chairman and CEO of GE.
“Through this initiative, we have an opportunity to help veterans with extraordinary leadership capabilities better compete for good paying jobs with a long-term future,“ he added.
The program will consist of three elements:
· Accelerating Skills Training
· Translating Military Experience into Civilian Opportunities
· Empowering Employers
“Veterans offer the technical, leadership and critical-thinking skills that advanced manufacturing demands,“ said Paula Davis, president of the Alcoa Foundation.
According to GE, 600,000 high-tech manufacturing jobs are available in the U.S. and more than 82 percent of manufacturers report they cannot find people to fill skilled production positions.
The Atlantic Council, a nonpartisan organization that works to promote constructive U.S. leadership and engagement in international affairs, will provide additional support by educating and engaging potential corporate partners.
“Based on our experience recruiting and training veterans to work at Boeing, we believe the Get Skills to Work initiative could have a major impact on the hiring of veterans nationwide,“ said Rick Stephens, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Boeing senior vice president of human resources and administration.
Active and retired military leaders will also form a Get Skills to Work Advisory Council to ensure coalition partners understand the unique needs of veterans and transitioning military personnel and will help the program effectively reaches its goals.
GE and TechShop are developing training tracks for veterans throughout the country, including Detroit, Mich., Raleigh, N.C., San Jose, Calif., Austin, Texas; Washington, D.C., and New York.
“There is no greater way to say “˜thanks“™ for all their service and sacrifice, which enable all of us to live safe and secure lives, and pursue our dreams every day,“ said Bob Stevens, Lockheed Martin chairman and chief executive officer.
