Unconventional answers exist for our industry’s workforce retention and productivity issues. This session will introduce America’s military veterans as one such answer, providing you with a roadmap for leveraging veterans’ unique skills. Veteran non-commissioned officers, in particular, are a group of leaders with a rare combination of initiative, decentralized execution, and attention to detail that, when leveraged properly, can make them force multipliers in the construction industry. Session participants will come away with a deeper understanding of why these individuals are ideal for roles like inspectors and project managers. Additionally, attendees will learn about programs they can take advantage of to quickly onboard veterans at little to no cost. Finally, they’ll learn to interpret “military speak” in the hiring process, translating stated experience from a veteran’s application, permissible records, and references into useful hiring information. This presentation will arm them with knowledge they need to tap into the advantages America’s veterans can bring to your organization. Accredited Agency: Chattanooga, TN, Public Works Department
After this session, participants will be better able to:
• Identify the roles that veterans are strong fits for, along with the rationale behind the strategic advantages they provide.
• Identify pathways to onboarding veterans at little to no cost using programs that exist to help transitioning service members gain civilian workforce skills and experience.
• Interpret “speak military” in the hiring process. Specifically, participants will learn how to generate useful hiring information from a veteran’s job application, their permissible records, and references.
Contributor/Source
Cedric Henson-Public Works Deputy Administrator, Chase Bleke-Director of Growth and Partnerships, Derrik Mills-Plan Review Manager
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Proficiency Levels
Introductory
Focuses on a general or broad overview of the topic, awareness of basic factual recall. Limited experience of the subject matter is necessary to understand content areas.
Applied
Focuses on practical implementation of technical steps or strategies, some prior knowledge and experience of the topic is necessary.
Advanced
Mastery of basic concepts associated with an area has been obtained. Focuses on understanding nuances, advanced concepts, and intricacies with implementation within knowledge area. Strong understanding of how the concept impacts other factors or areas of operations.
Program Types
CLL
Click, Listen & Learn (CLL) are interactive educational webinars. Each program is led by top experts in the field who share new ideas, methods, and technologies in a fast-paced two-hour time frame. These programs are available free to APWA members. CLL programs are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Primer
Primers are used to educate policymakers about public works roles and responsibilities in public rights of way, the impact of federal workforce development policies on the industry and workforce, and the importance of resilient infrastructure.
Public Works Radio Podcast
Public Works Radio is the official podcast of the American Public Works Association (APWA), bringing the stories behind our communities to life. This podcast shines a spotlight on the people and projects that keep our cities running—humanizing the work and the professionals who make it happen. Each episode dives into a wide range of topics designed to educate and inspire, making public works more visible to everyone.
PWX
PWX session recordings cover a wide variety of topics, including integrating modes of transportation, traffic and transit, construction management, emergency management, engineering and technology, fleet and facilities, management, parks and grounds, snow and ice control, and stormwater/flood control, as well as solid waste, roads and bridges and water/wastewater. PWX sessions are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Reporter Articles
APWA Reporter articles are written by public works practitioners on subjects such as solid waste management, water resources, municipal engineering, transportation, equipment services, buildings and grounds, snow removal, and other public works-related topics.
Snow
The Snow Conference session recordings feature public works professionals sharing the latest best practices in managing winter/snow operations more successfully, taking advantage of emerging technologies, understanding and preparing for the challenges ahead, and providing better service to their communities. Snow sessions are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Tech Boxes
A tech box is a PDF take-away that provides information in lists, steps, or defined areas specifically focused on trending technologies.
Virtual Program
Virtual programs are live, interactive educational programs led by top experts in the field who provide timely information or address trending topics within an area. Programs often conclude with an open forum for Q&A.