By NRG Editorial Voices
Late last year NRG partnered with the Department of Defense (DOD) to help military personnel transition into civilian life with the Patrol to Power program, a twelve-week DOD paid work opportunity.
“There’s no better way for us to honor and thank those people that served our country than by offering real-world training development and potential for full-time work placement,” said NRG Recruiting Manager, Robyn Antoine.
NRG plant manager and fellow veteran, John Everett, is also excited to bring more veterans on board.
“I know there’s a lot of value that veterans can bring to a company. In addition to having job-specific technical skills, veterans are self-motivated, highly disciplined, and have a very good work ethic.”
Hands-on job training and mentorship
One recruit, Todd Reiger, was a nuclear electrician’s mate on a Navy submarine. He’s been in the Navy for almost six years. Now he’s working with John’s electrical group, learning about instrument controls. “I get a taste of repairing stuff, figuring out what the daily maintenance routine is like, and some operator experience,” Todd explained.
Defining success
The program is all about creating mutually beneficial opportunities for service members.
“Patrol to Power is successful because it provides a positive experience where recruits gain an understanding of what the industry does and how it functions, and the company gains a high quality and well-trained employee,” John said.
Plant, operations, and maintenance managers have been integral to the process by nominating their facilities to participate in the program, interviewing and evaluating military candidates, and working with Human Resources to facilitate full-time roles for interns. NRG also found ways to accommodate veterans who were unable to participate in Patrol to Power due to timing.
“We encouraged them to apply for other open opportunities and offered two candidates full-time jobs outside of the program,” Robyn said.
Are you a military service member looking to transition into civilian life, or do you know someone who is? Explore their current opportunities and search for the keyword “SkillBridge,” or email Jessica.Jenks@nrg.com.
Source: nrg.com
