A powerful purpose

Earlier this year we partnered with the Department of Defense (DOD) to help military personnel transition into civilian life with the Patrol to Power program, a twelve-week DOD paid work opportunity. 

“There’s no better way for us to honor and thank those people that served our country than by offering real-world training development and potential for full-time work placement,” said NRG Recruiting Manager, Robyn Antoine.

NRG plant manager and fellow veteran, John Everett, is also excited to bring more veterans on board. 

“I know there's a lot of value that veterans can bring to a company. In addition to having job-specific technical skills, veterans are self-motivated, highly disciplined, and have a very good work ethic.”   

The first round of recruits started the Patrol to Power program in August 2021. There are currently six participants in the program across five different sites, in various stages of their work placement.

One recruit, Todd Reiger, was a nuclear electrician’s mate on a Navy submarine. He’s been in the Navy for almost six years. Now he’s working with John’s electrical group, learning about instrument controls. 

“I get a taste of repairing stuff, figuring out what the daily maintenance routine is like, and some operator experience,” Todd explained.

As Todd was considering his next step after military life, he assumed that he would become an electrician. Through his new role, he recognized the applicability of his skills and years of experience as an electrician’s mate within a new industry. 

“My skillset actually applies toward the instrumentation and control technician role a little bit better than a normal electrician. It’s been cool to learn a new system of operation and to see how closely related it is to what I was doing before.” 

NRG veteran and non-veteran employees alike have worked side-by-side with Patrol to Power participants to show them the ropes and integrate their work into daily operations. Former Marine, James Walker, says his new colleagues made time in their daily work schedule to help him understand what they do. 

“All these people have been extremely helpful. They’ve all taken on a mentorship role.” 

To be successful, James says future interns should jump in and be willing to learn. 

“Don’t be scared to try new things. A lot of this job is knowledge-based. It’s a change of pace but it’s a good change of pace.”

The program has been important for James both professionally and personally as it’s given him the opportunity to move from New Jersey to Texas to be closer to his family.

“Getting to come home a little early from my enlistment and get that time back with my family has been absolutely amazing. I really appreciate my manager and NRG for making this possible for me.” 

The program is all about creating mutually beneficial opportunities for service members. 

“Patrol to Power is successful because it provides a positive experience where recruits gain an understanding of what the industry does and how it functions, and the company gains a high quality and well-trained employee,” John said.  

Plant, operations, and maintenance managers have been integral to the process by nominating their facilities to participate in the program, interviewing and evaluating military candidates, and working with Human Resources to facilitate full-time roles for interns. NRG also found ways to accommodate veterans who were unable to participate in Patrol to Power due to timing. 

“We encouraged them to apply for other open opportunities and offered two candidates full-time jobs outside of the program,” Robyn said. 

Reflecting on his time at NRG, Todd says, “It’s been a great, eye-opening experience on how to get my feet in the door to the civilian world.”  

Are you a military service member looking to transition into civilian life, or do you know someone who is? Explore our current opportunities and search for the keyword "SkillBridge".