ARLINGTON, Va., July 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Army,
General Motors (NYSE: GM) and Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), today
announced they are teaming up to provide eligible transitioning
Army soldiers with skills to become service technicians at GM
dealerships after they return to civilian life.
The Shifting Gears: Automotive Technician Training Program, a
multi-year partnership between the two companies and the Army, will
begin in August at Fort Hood in
Killeen, Texas.
The initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to helping
veterans succeed by connecting them with education and career
opportunities outside of the military service. Shifting Gears will
be part of the Army's Soldier for Life support program, which helps
soldiers reintegrate into their communities after leaving the
Army.
Raytheon and GM are committed to providing Army men and women
participating in the Shifting Gears program exceptional training to
aid them in post service career endeavors. The program consists of
a 12-week customized, on-base technician training curriculum that
includes classroom, online and hands-on technical training.
Upon successful course completion and program graduation,
veterans receive career counseling, job-placement recommendations
and employment assistance from Army Soldier for Life centers, and
access to available GM technician employment opportunities through
GM's authorized dealer network.
"Soldiers transitioning to civilian life bring exceptional
training, values and experience to American communities and their
civilian workforce," said U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Howard Bromberg, Deputy Chief of Staff for
Personnel. "Properly supporting our veterans requires a team
approach from the Army, other government agencies and the local
community."
GM's dealer network needs approximately 2,500 new technicians
annually and qualified technicians are often in short supply. This
initiative develops well-trained technicians who will help GM and
local dealer communities, while also helping transitioning military
personnel. In addition to Shifting Gears, GM provides eligible
veterans free access to Web-based training through GM's Service
Technical College.
"Shifting Gears illustrates GM's commitment to serving those who
serve America," said Steve Hill, GM
vice president, U.S. Sales and Service. "GM has supported the U.S.
military for 100 years. From providing purpose-built vehicles in
conflict situations to today's support for veterans and returning
military personnel, we continue to be their strong allies."
The training will be conducted by Raytheon Professional Services
(RPS), which is one of the world's largest training companies. RPS
currently develops and delivers training solutions for GM
technicians worldwide and was integral in establishing the GM
Service Technical College, an in-house resource which provides
comprehensive training to GM personnel.
"Young Army veterans face
unemployment rates that are more than double the national average.
Raytheon sees this partnership with GM and the Army as an
opportunity to reduce those alarming statistics by helping position
former service members for new opportunities," said Lynn Dugle, President of Raytheon Intelligence,
Information and Services. "We look forward to helping train
veterans through the Shifting Gears program, and continuing the
work we do with the Army including our role in training almost
every active service soldier."
About the U.S. Army
For more information contact the
Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, Office of the Secretary of
the Army at (703) 697-7550. Or to learn more about the U.S.
Army visit them online at http://www.army.mil/
About GM
With thousands of military veteran
employees, General Motors' support for the United States armed forces spans
generations. Today, Chevrolet assists Cell Phones for Soldiers,
Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans, a variety of employment
and grassroots initiatives, and is the Official Vehicle of the
Army-Navy game. The GM Military Discount program offers discounts
on most Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles for active duty,
reserves, retirees, veterans (within one year of separation) and
spouses of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast
Guard and National Guard. GM proudly participates in the U.S.
Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Hiring Our Heroes initiative aimed
at finding meaningful employment for veterans transitioning to
civilian life.
About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2013 sales of
$24 billion and 63,000 employees
worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in
defense, security and civil markets throughout the world. With a
history of innovation spanning 92 years, Raytheon provides
state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other
capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command,
control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as cyber
security and a broad range of mission support services. Raytheon is
headquartered in Waltham, Mass.
For more about Raytheon, visit us at www.raytheon.com and
follow us on Twitter @Raytheon.
Media Contacts
InkHouse for
Raytheon
Steve Vittorioso
+1 781.966.4116
Steve@inkhouse.com
General Motors
Lesley
Warnke
+1.313.316.5285
lesley.warnke@gm.com
U.S. Army
Lt. Col. S. Justin
Platt
+1 703.692.1281
stephen.j.platt4.mil@mail.mil
SOURCE Raytheon Company