Wounded Warrior Project Helps Veterans Find Employment With Partners

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 2, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) partnered with JEA recently to connect wounded veterans with new career opportunities.

JEA already has a talent pool that includes veteran backgrounds for 20 percent of its workforce. The Jacksonville utility provider looked to expand that veteran employment base by meeting with nearly 20 warriors at WWP headquarters. JEA explained how its apprenticeship program can lead warriors to new careers. 

"I think it is a great thing they have these apprenticeship programs, not just for veterans, but for everybody to seek out a career," said Mike Couey, an Army veteran and WWP supporter. Mike attended the gathering with his son, who is also an Army veteran.

"It is always good to see companies out there that are actually supporting our veterans and providing them with opportunities," Dalton Couey said.

Hiring veterans in the civilian workforce gives organizations coachable team players with specialized skill sets, who are an asset to any team. WWP career counseling services are free of charge for warriors and employers.

A JEA representative talked about the opportunities that extend beyond what you think of for a utility company.

"They have more than just electric. It is water, it is forestry, it is biology – it is more than just one opportunity," said Princess Salley, a Navy veteran.

Princess said she learned a lot from JEA, including when to look for new jobs with the company.

"They post positions every Friday, so I will be looking for opportunities."

Fellow Navy veteran Deja Grissom was interested in a chance at a new career –  "just something different." She appreciates the help WWP has provided.

"Resume help, interview help, I get emails every week about activities and things to build people up because it can be kind of lonely when you are getting out; it is a hard transition time," Deja said.

For Dalton, he is ready for the help from WWP.

"I'm looking forward to working with them to improve my resume and any other ways I can stand out to employers."

To learn and see more about how WWP's programs and services connect, serve, and empower wounded warriors, visit our newsroom.