Five electric and gas utilities in New York will partner with state agencies on a plan and program to place returning veterans in jobs in the energy industry.
The partnership, which includes Consolidated Edison Inc. and Central Hudson Gas and Electric in this region, was announced by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Wednesday, when the New York Power Authority hosted a kickoff meeting for the NYS Troops-To-Energy Jobs program. The state program will be modeled after a federal Troops-To-Energy Jobs program started by the nonprofit Center for Energy Workforce Development.
Cuomo said the action plan will support objectives that emerged from the state Veterans and Military Families Summit in March, which focused on the state’s efforts to support veterans and the military community.
From the private sector, the energy jobs consortium also includes Iberdrola USA, National Grid USA and Public Service Energy Group Long Island. State officials said members have committed to actively coordinate with the Center for Energy Workforce Development to ensure the state action plan is consistent with the federal program.
Utilities will designate one or more colleges as partners in providing veterans with educational opportunities to prepare for technical jobs in the energy industry. The state Division of Veterans’ Affairs will be the lead agency for communications and outreach to veterans and will facilitate available employment opportunities. The state Department of Public Service will monitor and report on consortium members”™ progress in achieving action plan milestones.
“New York”™s veterans have made tremendous sacrifices in service to our nation, and by expanding professional opportunities for them at home we can help to ease their transition back to civilian life and empower them for years to come,” Cuomo said in the announcement.
Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. president James P. Laurito said the Poughkeepsie company “recognizes the significant sacrifices and contributions made by our veterans, and supports this initiative as a way of giving back to them while strengthening our workforce with the skills and technical experience of those who served in our country”™s armed forces.”
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