Holland, the leader in Central and Southeastern Next- Day delivery, has announced its partnership with the U.S. Army to help attract, train and prepare soldiers for civilian careers in trucking after completing their military commitment.
The U.S. Army and Holland signed a memorandum of agreement on May 19 as part of the U.S. Army Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS) program during at a ceremony held at the Grand Rapids, Mich. Holland service center.
“It is our honor and privilege to participate in the Army PaYS Program,” said Holland President Scott Ware. “We take pride in h iring veterans, and this partnership will continue to allow Holland to show Army veterans the many opportunities available at Holland. ”
The PaYS program began in 2000 as an enlistment incentive for Army soldiers. PaYS provides priority-hiring status to qualified soldiers participating in the program and helps the Army share qualified individuals with employers across the country. The Army selects, trains and provides hands-on experience to individuals in skilled positions.
Holland is no stranger to hiring and building successful careers for members of the military. Earlier this year, the company was named a 2017 Military Friendly® Employer by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs®, STEM Jobs(WM) and Military Spouse.
Holland has also partnered with FASTPORT Inc., and Hiring Our Heroes, a nationwide initiative to help veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses find meaningful employment opportunities. With the assistance of these two programs, Holland has hired over 400 veterans in its footprint.
“Hiring veterans is not compliance, it is not following government regulations, it is just the right thing to do,” said Army veteran and Holland Talent Acquisition and Fair Employment Manager Jason Schenkel. “It is a great business practice to bring veterans on board. They are adaptable, loyal and mission- focused. Partnering with the Army PaYS program is an amazing opportunity to bridge the gap between civilian employment and military service. PaYS gives Army service members a chance to have a smooth transition.”
As part of the program, soldiers select a PaYS partner during their enlistment process and two PaYS partner job opportunities. PaYS soldiers are guaranteed interviews upon completion of their training and/or first term of service. Holland has the opportunity to mentor these individuals and help them build better civilian job-seeking skills as they transition to private employment.