Defense Logistics Agency Energy and DLA Acquisition are partnering to support an initiative aimed at bringing veterans into the federal workforce.
The Vets 2 Feds Career Development for Student Trainee Program, sponsored by the Interagency Council on Veteran's Employment, is “designed to recruit and support the development of student veterans for careers with the federal government,” according to the program’s website, http://www.fedshirevets.gov/vets2feds.
The program offers veterans the opportunity to gain experience related to the contracting career field while they pursue their educations. Trainees who complete the program will be employed as federal contract specialists, which are among the government's most mission-critical positions, according to the website.
“We’ve been working with and hiring our nation’s veterans for a long time, so when this program was introduced during the summer, we were immediately on board and knew it would be successful,” DLA Energy Acquisition Workforce Development & Intern Center Chief Erin Ralph said.
Those chosen for the program were hired under the Student Career Experience Program, which provides work experience directly related to veterans’ academic programs and career goals.
The program includes formal and informal training in contracting and allows student veterans to work directly with customers while learning to write basic requests for proposals and evaluate bids or proposals. Trainees also learn how to assist with purchases and monitor contracts, according to the website.
The program has helped fill contracting vacancies and is a great way to introduce veterans to civil service, Ralph said. Once a student veteran has completed the SCEP requirements, he or she may be converted to a contract specialist and complete the program under the DLA Corporate Intern Program, she said.
“DLA Energy has always provided tremendous support to service members on active duty. Hiring vets is another way to show our support. We love providing this opportunity to the folks who have served our country,” Ralph said.
The first person hired by DLA Energy under the program reported to work Dec. 5.
“We’re excited to have our new hire on board,” Ralph said. “It has the potential to be a win-win situation.”