Our History

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Veterans in Energy’s establishment is the result of recommendations by the Utility Industry Workforce Initiative (UIWI), a working group that brought six utility industry trade associations (NEI, EEI, AGA, APPA, NRECA, CEWD), four federal agencies (DOE, DOL, DOD, VA) and two labor groups (IBEW, UWUA) together to identify new initiatives the energy industry can undertake to support veterans working in energy jobs.

The energy industry has come together before to support our nation’s transitioning soldiers and military veterans. In 2010, the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) launched Troops to Energy Jobs, an initiative that makes it easier for military veterans to find jobs in the electric and natural gas utility industry, accelerates the training and employability of veterans, and provides a pathway to successful job placement and advancement in the industry. Troops to Energy Jobs guides veterans in their search for rewarding careers and provides a roadmap for companies to create an inviting and supportive culture that respects the service of these devoted men and women.

The creation of Veteran Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) is one of the many best practices that have been identified by Troops to Energy Jobs to help companies support the needs of employees who are military veterans. Veterans in Energy provides the opportunity to expand these best practices by connecting military veteran employees to others around the country and by providing leadership opportunities at the state, region and national level. Veterans in Energy does not replace, but builds upon the work of Troops to Energy Jobs by providing additional resources to already employed veterans to ensure successful transitions, retention and professional growth.