Creating Opportunities for US Veterans and Military Personnel: Service Representative Apprenticeship

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Did you know that there are over 18 million veterans in the US, with more than 200,000 military members transitioning into civilian life each year? Imagine the magnitude of this shift: leaving behind a familiar environment, stepping into a new world, and facing a series of new challenges. These individuals must find new careers, adapt to different work cultures, and learn to translate their unique skills and experiences into corporate contexts.

As a company, we can ease this transition, offering support, resources, and a pathway to success. This is why we are excited to launch a Service Representative Apprenticeship Program aimed at empowering transitioning members and veterans, providing them with the technical and non-technical knowledge to thrive within our organization.

Supporting veterans and transitioning military personnel entering the workforce

Written by Alejandra Castellanos Isaza, Service Representative Apprenticeship Program Manager 

At a personal and professional level, this initiative is important to me. I have gone through many transitions in my life – working in different countries with completely different cultures, learning a new language, and switching careers more than once. I know it can be challenging, but also extremely rewarding. During my own transitions, I relied heavily on my mentors and sponsors, who showed me how to grow and adapt through learning and curiosity. Now, as we design the Apprenticeship, I have the opportunity to pay it forward by helping others navigate their transitions. To ensure participants receive a well-rounded experience, the Apprenticeship will include classes, on-the-job training, and the development of both technical and non-technical skills.

In partnership with Apprenti, Schneider Electric’s Service Representative Apprenticeship was designed for veterans and military personnel transitioning into civilian life who want to learn and perform the role of Field Service Representatives (FSRs). This is a unique offer, and is the first time our company is offering a program specifically targeted at creating opportunities for military and veteran populations.

Our goal is to offer the necessary education, experience and exposure for candidates that currently do not possess the technical skills for the role. By building the technical and nontechnical competencies needed for a Service Representative role, we are hoping to empower potential professionals while fostering a more inclusive workplace.  

An integral 18-month long learning and training journey

The Apprentices will immerse themselves in a manufacturing environment for the first year in Schneider’s Red Oak, TX facility. They will attend classes to gain electrical and power systems theory knowledge, while also learning electrical assembly, integration, quality inspection, quality testing, and commissioning processes. After that first year, they will shadow other Service Representatives on the field.

Key Points

• The Field Service Representative Apprenticeship Program will launch on March 3^rd, 2025 in Red Oak, Texas.  
• Education and on the job training will be provided throughout the program.
• The program has a duration of 18 months. 

Eligibility Criteria 

We are looking for veterans and military personnel in the Texas area who meet the following criteria: 

• Active military personnel that have at least three months of SkillBridge authorization and are expected to receive an honorable discharge. 
• Veterans that transitioned out into civilian life and were honorably discharged. 

Applications are due by November 22^nd, 2024. If you are interested or know of a veteran or a military member in Texas seeking to transition out and joining our program, please invite them to please invite them to apply today and check our military careers website for more information.

Schneider Electric’s Culture: Supporting Veterans

At Schneider Electric, we’re building a culture in our US operations that embraces and empowers veterans, and in turn, is enriched by their experience, perspective, and capabilities. People with a military background possess numerous attributes, including loyalty, leadership ability, respect, integrity, duty, reliability, and working as team members. We value those attributes in our employees.

Our company has also made it easier for current military reservists and National Guard members to continue serving their country without having to sacrifice their careers. In addition to regular paid time off, we offer 20 business days of military services leave, a salary differential program, and many other perks our employee veterans and their spouses enjoy.

In addition to regular paid time off, we offer 20 business days of military services leave, a salary differential program, military spouse leave (a paid leave of up to 80 hours to employees who are the spouse or domestic partner of a member of the uniformed services of the US), and many other perks.

Embracing Career Success as a Military Spouse at Schneider Electric

Written by Amanda Copple

As a military spouse, the journey of finding and maintaining a fulfilling career can often feel like an uphill battle. Job searches at each new duty station can put tremendous strain on our lives, making it seem impossible to build a stable and rewarding professional life. Nothing is impossible – and at Schneider Electric that statement couldn’t ring truer.

Joining the Schneider Electric family has provided me with more than just a job – it has given me a career. The flexibility and support I’ve received here has been invaluable. I’ve been able to navigate the demands of military life while still pursuing my career aspirations, thanks to the support of my peers and leadership. The commitment to career development and growth at Schneider Electric has allowed me to flourish professionally, despite the frequent relocations that come with being a military spouse.

Audrey Hepburn once said, “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible’.” This quote resonates deeply with me, especially in the context of my career journey. Schneider Electric has exemplified this sentiment by demonstrating that with the right support and environment, achieving professional success as a military spouse is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding.

I am grateful for the encouragement and opportunities that Schneider Electric has provided, allowing me to thrive in my career while navigating the unique challenges that come with being a military spouse. This experience has not only changed my view of what is possible, but also highlights the organization’s care they put into fostering career progression.

Grow, Honor and Serve: VETS ERN 

Our Schneider Electric VETS ERN (Voices of Employees That Served Employee Resource Network) is a vibrant testament to Schneider Electric’s efforts in developing, connecting, and supporting our veteran community. The mission of this group is to increase awareness of the incredible contributions veterans and military spouses bring to the company, develop our employees, and craft HR initiatives that are friendly towards both veterans and military spouse employees. The group also provides opportunities for Schneider Electric’s veteran and military spouse community to give back.  

There are over 500 active members in the ERN, and each individual brings a glowing wealth of experience and insight. Their commitment enriches our organizational culture and uniquely contributes to our ongoing innovation and excellence. Moreover, for veterans entering the workforce, the ERN is a great way to make quick connections, gain traction and navigate the company. As the community expands, our veteran colleagues’ contributions reach new heights.   

Schneider Electric is proud to be a Military Friendly Employer 

We are proud that Schneider Electric has been awarded the Military Friendly® Employer Award and Military Friendly® Spouse Employer for our efforts in creating sustainable and meaningful career paths for veterans, as well as for our community outreach, brand enthusiasm, and enduring partnerships in support of the military community and all of the important parts of that community: the employee, the spouse, the family, the consumer, and even the supply chain.

Military Friendly® Companies are considered to be the ultimate example of organizations that are committed to enabling sustainable economic benefits and well-being for veterans and their families. Over 1,700 organizations compete annually for Military Friendly® designations.

Interested in the Field Services Apprenticeship Program?

If you know of a veteran or a military member in Texas seeking to transition out and joining our program, please invite them to apply today and check our military careers website for more information.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to grow and thrive with Schneider Electric!

If you have other questions, please reach out directly to Alejandra Castellanos Isaza, alejandra.castellanosisaza@se.com or Peter Shull, peter.shull@se.com.