Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission advocates veteran employment

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is joining utilities and other entities in advocating for more veterans to be considered for work within the industry.

“We are surrounded by #UtilityCareers opportunities, but they often hide in plain sight because job-seekers are unaware of the options available to them or unsure who to contact,” Gladys M. Brown, PUC chairman, said. “Connecting skilled candidates with these jobs – which offer good wages, growth opportunities and the chance to make a difference in our communities – benefits us all.”

The PUC recently joined utilities and other state agencies in hosting a job fair event in Harrisburg, encouraging participants to speak directly with recruiters and human resources specialists.

“First and foremost, our veterans have already made a tremendous contribution to keeping our nation safe and secure – and veterans play a strong role in our public utilities and overall labor force,” Brown said. “These men and women are disciplined, mission-driven, safety focused, community-oriented, and understand the critical nature of utility services.”

The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) said several issues have been identified concerning veteran employment. Those issues include the need for enhanced communication, especially helping veterans and potential employers better understand each other; translating how military skills and classifications are described, to better link them to positions and needs of the civilian sector; greater information-sharing about job openings; and identifying ways to promote Pennsylvania opportunities on a regional and national level.