New initiative for veterans in energy careers holds summit in Washington, D.C.

A nationwide initiative working to provide support to military veterans working in the energy industry held its first National Leadership Summit on Friday.

The “Veterans in Energy” summit was held at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C., where leaders from the energy industry and federal government representatives met to discuss initiatives that support veterans in their transition from military life to successful careers in energy.

“While Veterans in Energy is a new initiative, the energy industry has a long history of employing and engaging military veterans,” EEI President Tom Kuhn said. “Their capabilities and skills match those required for technical, engineering, leadership, and support positions in the energy industry. At the National Leadership Summit, veterans who work in the energy industry are coming together with leaders in the federal government, the energy industry, and organized labor to support transitions from military life to successful careers in energy.”

Following up on the successes of “Troops to Energy Jobs,” an initiative launched in 2010, Veterans in Energy seeks to further develop resource groups that assist companies in understanding the needs of employees who are veterans by connecting military veteran employees to others across the U.S. who share common experiences and insights.