SEPTA is marking this Veterans Day by announcing a new partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, aimed at connecting those who’ve served their country with career opportunities in public transportation.
Many veterans are currently employed in positions throughout the Authority, and SEPTA has made a commitment to hiring more former members of the Armed Forces. For the first half of 2014, almost 10 percent of SEPTA's new hires in targeted positions such as bus operators, track laborers, custodians and rail conductor trainees have been veterans. That’s an increase from approximately 8 percent for veteran hires in 2013.
“Veterans are great fits for a number of positions at SEPTA,” said SEPTA Recruitment Director Dan Amspacher. “Many have developed advanced technical and other skills that translate very well to our workforce. In addition, veterans are comfortable working as a part of a large organization such as SEPTA, where they are required to accomplish daily duties while also helping the Authority achieve its long-term goals.”
SEPTA works with a number of local non-profit organizations to help connect veterans with job opportunities. The authority also actively recruits former members of the Armed Forces at job fairs and other events. In addition, SEPTA is registered on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Job Bank, which provides veterans with an updated feed of listings for available positions.
SEPTA’s new partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs is expected to give these ongoing efforts a boost.
“Well-qualified veterans will be encouraged to apply for open SEPTA positions,” said Radeem H. Ellington, community employment coordinator for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center. “This initiative will definitely create a great opportunity for veterans to get back into the workforce with confidence and support from the Department of Veterans Affairs and SEPTA.”
