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n a first-of-its-kind training-to-placement program in California with the U.S. Department of Defense, Southern California Gas Company is working to ensure a successful job landing for people transitioning from military service to civilian life.
Working with the Utility Workers Union of America and the U.S. Department of Defense’s SkillBridge (skillbridge.osd.mil) program, this new partnership allows service members to gain civilian work experience through various industry trainings or internships. Importantly, this experience happens during the individual’s last 180 days of military service, helping to bridge the gap from active service to civilian life.
“Veterans have a unique experience that enhances an organization and contributes to the diverse workforce proven to yield success,” Christopher Bissonnette, SoCalGas’ director of labor relations and wellness, told American Gas.
SoCalGas already partners with the UWUA on its “Power for America,” or P4A, program by funding a pre-employment training program to teach veterans how to become trained and qualified as leak survey technicians, he said. Candidates who successfully complete the program are offered jobs at SoCalGas. The training is conducted at the utility’s training facilities through a no-cost lease to P4A, and instructors are hired by P4A.
SoCalGas has numerous additional veteran-outreach programs. With this latest effort, in addition to becoming a SkillBridge provider, SoCalGas is now a U.S. Department of Defense-registered veteran employer partner.
“We believe this new program is another avenue for veterans and women into our distribution division,” Bissonnette said.
He encourages other utilities interested in doing something similar, whether as a partnership directly with the U.S. Department of Defense or in partnership with a union, to contact the U.S. Department of Defense about how they can tap into the veteran candidate market.