This week’s #WorkforceWednesday features Lynn J. Good, Chairman, President and CEO of Duke Energy — a company that is building a stronger pipeline of talented, diverse workers through dedicated efforts to recruit and employ America’s veterans.
As Lynn Good explained in the 2017 Duke Energy Annual Report:
“In the year ahead, we want to attract more diverse candidates. In particular, we’re committed to hiring veterans — who possess the training and leadership qualities that transfer to our business.”
“The vitality of our communities and workforce is at the heart of our mission. Their strength will continue to be a priority for Duke Energy, as it has been for the past 114 years.”
Here’s a look at a few ongoing workforce development initiatives led by Duke Energy and CEO Lynn Good. Additional information can be found here.
The Problem
As America’s energy needs grow and evolve, Duke Energy has recognized that the changing nature of electric power is creating a gap in the skills needed to drive the business and power the lives of the 24 million customers it serves.
The Programs
As part of its comprehensive workforce development strategy, Duke Energy created the veteran recruiting initiative and formed a dedicated military recruiting team to establish and maintain relationships with veteran organizations, military installations and internal stakeholders. This team is responsible for providing consultation to Duke Energy’s business units on the execution of its strategy.
The strategy encompasses partnerships with 26 military installations, veteran nonprofits, internal networking and affinity groups, the Center for Energy Workforce Development’s Troops to Energy program, and the U.S. Army’s Partnership for Youth Success.
The Progress
Key successes in Duke Energy’s veteran recruiting initiative include:
- In 2017, Duke Energy hired 400 veterans, recognizing that these men and women have technical and soft skills plus experience and leadership.
- The company plans to fill 12 percent of its open position with veterans going forward.
- Duke Energy is being recognized by the North Carolina Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and will receive the prestigious Department of Defense ESGR Pro Patria Award on July 21, 2018 in Chapel Hill. The company is also a finalist for The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.
- Duke Energy is working with the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s “Hiring Our Heroes Program.” The program provides transitioning service members with corporate skills needed to succeed in the civilian work force.
To learn more about workforce development initiatives led by Duke Energy and other Business Roundtable CEO member companies, please visit: https://www.businessroundtable.org/skills.
