Siemens Announces U.S. Job Training Initiative for Veterans

Siemens today announced a new, job training initiative for U.S. military veterans with an engineering and manufacturing background as part of a nationwide effort to assist veterans transitioning to the civilian workforce.   

The program, launched by Siemens’ product lifecycle management (PLM) software business unit in 22 cities across the country, provides free training in the use of state-of-the-art digital lifecycle management and computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) software technology.

“Often military experiences and accomplishments don't always translate cleanly on a civilian resume.  In reality, these young men and women possess the skills, traits and leadership training necessary to not only succeed, but also excel in private industry,” said General Stanley McChrystal, former commander of the U.S. and International Security Assistances Forces Afghanistan, and Chairman of the Board for Siemens Government Technologies, Inc. “Siemens is offering a way for veterans to demonstrate their abilities to employers around the globe, as well as participate in additional training, that will help make them that much more attractive to potential employers.”

Through this effort, Siemens will invest up to $17,000 per eligible veteran for access to training at Siemens PLM Software facilities across the U.S.  Ten, multi-day courses are offered, including comprehensive training on NX® software, Siemens PLM Software’s leading integrated solution for CAD/CAM/CAE, and Teamcenter® software, the world’s most widely used digital lifecycle management solution. The training will help enhance veterans’ qualifications for skilled positions in a wide variety of manufacturing industries around the world, including automotive, aerospace, energy, high-tech electronics, and machinery.
 
“Siemens is an innovator in advanced manufacturing, an area of job growth in the U.S., and the training we are providing to veterans will enhance their ability to be hired by the more than 71,000 customers and potential employers who utilize our software and technology solutions,” said Chuck Grindstaff, president and CEO of Siemens PLM software.  “Siemens wants to do its part in showing our gratitude as we welcome our veterans home and for many, what they need most, is a job that allows them to re-acclimate to civilian life and support their families.  We think this program will help.”

The courses will be available at 22 Siemens PLM Software training facilities throughout the U.S. including:  

Huntsville, AL
Cypress, CA
Atlanta, GA
Chicago, IL
Boston, MA
Detroit, MI
St. Louis, MO
Cincinnati/Dayton, OH
Dallas, TX
Washington, DC
Rochester, NY
Milwaukee, WI
Minneapolis, MN
San Diego, CA
Grand Rapids, MI
Portsmouth, NH
West Bend, WI
Denver, CO
Middletown, CT
San Jose, CA

Siemens has partnered with Still Serving Veterans, an organization that helps veterans and their families reintegrate into the workforce and community, to serve as the single point of contact for enrollment in the Siemens Job Training initiative. Any U.S. military veteran meeting program requirements is eligible to apply for the program at www.siemens.com/plm/trainingforusvets.   Veterans with service-connected disabilities can also access this training through the Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment program.

Upon completion of the training, veterans who participate in this initiative can also present themselves as qualified candidates for positions with Siemens or its 71,000 customers who use Siemens’ PLM technology.

In April 2011, Siemens participated in the launch of Joining Forces, a White House initiative to support and honor America's service members and their families, and pledged to reserve 10 percent of its 3,000 open positions for veterans. Siemens exceeded this goal in three months and due to the successful integration of these employees into the workforce, Siemens increased its commitment. The company has hired over 1,000 veterans in the last two years.  Veterans at Siemens, including both enlisted and Junior Military Officers (JMO), are hired for positions in the Energy, Infrastructure and Cities, Industry and Healthcare sectors in job categories ranging from Field Engineers to Service Technicians to Sales and Marketing roles with highly competitive salaries. Siemens has hired veterans with skills in aviation and mechanics to serve as wind service technicians at wind farms in Texas. At a new distribution center opening in Oklahoma, more than 50 percent of hires are military veterans with skills in logistics and materials handling. Siemens Energy in Orlando has hired veterans for their Sales and Marketing Development Program, investing more than $200,000 per veteran for the 14-month training program.

Siemens has also been named a “2013 Best for Vets” employer by Military Times.  Ranked 29th out of 1,000 major companies, Military Times recognized Siemens for its demonstrated commitment to recruit, hire and retain qualified veterans, and for its comprehensive tools and resources such as the National Veterans Network to help vets succeed in the civilian workplace.  

To see the full rankings, visit http://projects.militarytimes.com/best-for-veterans/best-employers-for-veterans/2013/.