The ICATT Apprenticeship Program joined two other organizations, Exegistics and York Solutions to co-host the second annual Veteran Career Summit. This year’s summit focused on the value of developing a workplace initiative to recruit and retain veteran employees.
Head of the ICATT Apprenticeship Program, Mario Kratsch, participated on a panel that discussed innovative programs to find, hire, train and manage a veteran workforce. The ICATT Apprenticeship Program is dedicated to helping companies close the skills gap by integrating veterans into the civilian workforce.
As a G.I. Bill certified program, the ICATT Apprenticeship Program helps companies to implement a long-term workforce development strategy and provides veterans with amazing career opportunities after their active military service.
One of the many ways the ICATT Apprenticeship Program drives success with veteran hiring is eliminating the barrier of understanding the different MOS codes (Military Occupational Specialty) and ‘translating’ them into civilian manufacturing skills.
“When creating a resume, what you bring to the table as an applicant is based on your own experience,” explains Kratsch. “When you come from the military you think, act, talk, and write military. HR specialists who receive resumes don’t necessarily know the military codes, and “translating” those skills into the manufacturing world is extremely beneficial to all parties involved in the hiring process.”
The ICATT Apprenticeship Program has an 85% retention rate and many of the apprentices stay with the company upon program completion.
“Veterans are a strong talent source for companies who are struggling to fill open positions with highly-skilled talent. They already bring a lot of skills to the table so the training time can be shortened,” said Krastch.
Interested in becoming an ICATT apprentice or looking for ways to begin a veteran workforce initiative at your company? Contact us.