Google.org Aims to Place 25,000 Veterans in Skilled Trades Careers

Google.org has launched a new workforce initiative aimed at helping 25,000 US veterans and military family members transition into skilled trades careers. The program combines hands-on pre-apprenticeships with career coaching and direct job placement support, targeting occupations such as electrical work, pipefitting, and infrastructure project management.

The initiative builds on Google's broader push into skilled trades training, which is driven by growing demand for workers in this field. According to Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer at Alphabet and Google, there are currently hundreds of thousands of skilled trade vacancies across the US.

Google has partnered with Hiring Our Heroes, Student Veterans of America, and Home Builders Institute to provide different forms of career preparation and employment support through the program. Tim Chadwick, a veteran who previously served in the US Navy, brings a unique perspective to the initiative as Google's Data Center Operations Area Lead.

Chadwick notes that many of the skills he developed while serving in the military, such as planning and leading missions, are transferable to civilian careers. The program is also aimed at supporting military spouses and other family members alongside veterans and active service members preparing for civilian careers.