VOORHEES, NJ, OCTOBER 31, 2016 -- American Water, the nation’s largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility company, is signing a partnership agreement today with the U.S. Army’s Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS) program.
The PaYS program is designed to help soldiers prepare for a career after the Army by connecting them with employers who understand the skill, discipline and work ethic that military service members bring to a business. This program is part of a long-term U.S. Army effort to help soldiers forge professional relationships with businesses and encourage business owners to look to the Army as a plentiful and reliable recruiting source. Since PaYS began in 2000, more than 600 employers have partnered with the program.
"We are so pleased to enter this important partnership with the U.S. Army that aligns with our business in so many ways," said American Water President and CEO Susan Story. "With about 10 percent of our employees being military veterans, we have firsthand knowledge of the tremendous value they bring to our organization. Much of the skills and training people receive in the military can be easily applied to jobs in the water and wastewater industry, such as engineering, IT and operations. Additionally, these men and women are accustomed to putting safety first and to 24/7 operations. And as the contracted provider of water and wastewater service to 12 U.S. military bases, we are proud to form an additional partnership that helps build a pathway from military service to a career with our company."
PaYS helps match soldiers with participating businesses most in need of their particular skill set. Soldiers can sign up to participate in PaYS and choose the job and company they are most qualified for during the enlistment process. Upon completion of their military training and/or first term of service, soldiers participating in PaYS will be guaranteed a job interview at the PaYS partner company of their choice. This program does not guarantee employment, but it does help soldiers clear the first hurdle to starting a career: getting a foot in the door. This program is available to active duty and Army Reserve enlisted soldiers along with Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets who accept an Army Reserve, National Guard or Active Duty commitment.
"The Army PaYS Program is a win-win opportunity. The Army helps Soldiers find employment with companies who value the skill and discipline that comes with an Army career, and companies can draw from an endless pool of qualified talent to fulfill their needs," said Lieutenant Colonel Edward Croot, U.S. Army Mid-Atlantic Recruiting Battalion.
Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. Marking its 130th anniversary this year, the company employs more than 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com.
