FORT HOOD, Texas, Oct. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Army,
General Motors (NYSE: GM) and Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) today
announced the successful graduation of the first Shifting Gears:
Automotive Technician Training Program class. Created as a
multi-year partnership between the two companies and the Army, the
program provides and empowers transitioning soldiers with the
skills required to secure careers as GM service technicians.
During the graduation ceremony at Fort
Hood, Texas, 23 soldiers will receive their certification as
GM technicians, opening various service opportunities at GM
dealerships across the country. Equipping soldiers with technical
expertise and experiential training, the 12-week, on-base program
also builds on core Army disciplines to provide students with
self-management and problem-solving skills that will be invaluable
throughout their civilian careers.
"As a soldier going through my second transition to civilian
life, Shifting Gears provides me with a unique opportunity," said
Sgt. 1st Class John McCuen, an Army
helicopter repairer at Fort Hood
with 23 years of service from Clarksville, Tenn. "After receiving my
certification as a GM technician, I'm looking forward to benefiting
from a civilian career that enables me to build on the knowledge
that I acquired as an Army helicopter mechanic to provide for my
family regardless of where we decide to live."
The U.S. Army, General Motors and Raytheon are committed to
providing veterans with education and career opportunities
following their military service. The instructor-led, hands-on
training program walks students through the same real-life
situations that they will see at GM dealerships, providing guidance
and advice that will be beneficial during their transition to
civilian careers.
"I have always had a passion for automotive mechanics, but was
not sure how to pursue my dream upon completion of my service,"
said Spc. James Turner, an Army
signal support system specialist at Fort
Hood with seven years of service from Roseboro, N.C. "The Shifting Gears program is
arming me with the skills and career opportunities that I need to
succeed in my transition from active soldier to automotive
technician."
"Participating in programs such as Shifting Gears enables our
soldiers to obtain the specialized technical training that they
will need in their civilian careers," said Col. Matt Elledge, commander, U.S. Army Garrison, Fort
Hood. "Today's graduating class will bring a wide breadth of
knowledge and skills to their local communities."
Shifting Gears is built on a customized curriculum developed by
Raytheon Professional Services for General Motors. Raytheon
instructors work hand-in-hand with soldier students such as McCuen
and Turner to ensure that they can be successful in all elements of
their careers as GM technicians, beyond simply working on
automobiles.
The 23 graduates of the inaugural Shifting Gears class will have
immediate access to employment opportunities as automotive
technicians at thousands of GM dealers across the U.S. Veterans
will also have exclusive access to GM's Web-based employment
portal, helping them match career opportunities with their
skillset.
"GM has supported our nation's military for more than 100 years.
Along with our thousands of employees who have served in the
military, we're eager to provide opportunity and advocate for these
transitioning soldiers," said GM Global Chief Diversity Officer
Ken Barrett. "They offer such skill,
ability and experience – and they're going to be valued employees
for our dealer partners."
"Veterans represent nearly 20 percent of the Raytheon workforce,
so we know firsthand the unique qualities and work ethic that they
bring to civilian careers," said Lynn
Dugle, president of Raytheon Intelligence, Information and
Services. "Shifting Gears delivers veterans the knowledge, skills
and confidence to bridge the transition from military service to a
civilian career. We are honored to lead the training of the
Shifting Gears program and continue Raytheon's long-term commitment
to the military services and U.S. veterans."
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 Fort
Hood
Fort Hood is
currently home to more than 41,292 soldiers and more than 69,487
family members (16,108 on post and 53,379 off post). We have
approximately 5,000 DA Civilians and more than 14,600 contractors.
When you include retirees who use the post for support, the total
population supported by Fort Hood
is more than 388,300. Fort Hood's
Land Area equals 218,823 acres or 342 square miles. It stretches as
far north as Waco, Texas; east to
Temple, Texas; west to
Copperas Cove, Texas; and south to
Georgetown, Texas.
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
Raytheon
Jason Kello
+1 571.250.1428
iispr@raytheon.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