CAE leverages the experience and knowledge of its veteran employees to support other veterans. The company has a unique mentorship program where seasoned veterans can help guide those transitioning into the civilian workforce. This initiative helps new employees navigate post-military challenges and fosters a supportive environment emphasizing camaraderie, professional development, and shared experiences. By drawing upon the expertise of veterans who have successfully transitioned, CAE is nurturing professional growth by creating a dedicated support network for those who have served.
Michael Garcia, currently a Talent Acquisition Lead at CAE in Tampa, FL, was stationed during his service at Fort Hamilton in New York, where he served as an Army recruiter for the United States Army Recruiting Command (USAREC). Initially, when joining the military, he had planned to serve for three years before pursuing education. Mike, however, extended his service to 14 years, leaving at age 30.
Reflecting on his own transition, Mike highlights that one of the most significant challenges he faced was access to timely and relevant information that would facilitate his career progression. Upon leaving the military, he felt that his skills were outdated, and he needed career support, a sentiment that can be common among transitioning service members.
Fortunately for Mike he had built a strong network of support during his time as an Army recruiter. Particularly his connections with his command leadership who were invaluable in helping him find the right role post-service; connections that remain important to him today.
For those preparing to leave military service, Mike offers helpful advice to better navigate their transition to civilian life and leverage their military experience for future success.
The VA’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP) provides veterans with essential tools during their transition, including resume-writing assistance and mock interviews to prepare for the civilian job market. Representatives from the VA also help veterans review their medical records, addressing any injuries or illnesses to determine eligible claims.
For many veterans, a common obstacle faced while transitioning is translating military terms and titles into a language that civilian employers can understand. Military roles do not always align directly with civilian job titles, making it difficult to convey experience accurately. The program can help and Mike recommends veterans obtain a copy of the TAP participant guide. This guide serves as a reference tool, allowing veterans to take notes and revisit key points after the class ends. He also encourages veterans to seek out civilian-side mentorship or participate in state-funded veteran programs like Hiring Our Heroes, which provides support for transitioning service members at no cost.
At the end of this article, CAE's Recruiters have compiled some additional veteran specific resources that you can bookmark for future reference and support.
CAE is honored to work in partnership with the United States Department of Defense SkillBridge program. We recognize the valuable skillset our veteran employees bring, and by working with the DoD SkillBridge program, we are proud to make the transition to civilian life even more seamless.
" CAE USA has been a proud industry partner for the SkillBridge program since 2019. As a fellow US Army Veteran, I am passionate about veteran outreach for transitioning Service members and Veterans, and to assist them in finding career opportunities at CAE. It is my mission to bring forward Veteran outreach awareness and to ensure that we are maximizing employment opportunities for both transitioning Service members and Veterans via DoD programs such as SkillBridge". – Mike Garcia
Let CAE continue to be a part of your career training while still receiving military pay and benefits. Click here to learn more about SkillBridge.
CAE fosters veteran employee engagement through our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and Community Outreach Programs.
The Insignia executive committee, composed of veterans and allies, provides a network for CAE veterans and supporters to connect, collaborate and extend camaraderie. The ERG encourages and assists veteran employees in seeking out and establishing careers throughout CAE and to capitalize on their experience, skill and dedication acquired through their military service.
"The goal of Insignia is to create a supportive network where veterans feel valued and empowered to contribute their unique skills and experiences to CAE's success." Mike Garcia
The American Legion fiercely advocates for the unique needs of every generation of veterans, service members, and their families who pledge to protect our nation. https://www.legion.org/
Sign up to volunteer with DAV to help a veteran. -https://www.dav.org/
The National Veterans Foundation has been helping vets for over 30 years. Our hotline is vets serving vets and provides needed help to vets and families. The Lifeline for Vets-888-777-4443 -https://nvf.org/
The mission of this office is to provide veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, military spouses, and family members with programs and services to start, grow and expand their small business. https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-locations/headquarters-offices/office-veterans-business-development
This initiative helps veterans and transitioning military members find careers. -VA.gov
Call (855) 260-3274 to learn more about support and to connect with the CSP team at your local VA facility.
VA helps Veterans, Servicemembers, and eligible surviving spouses become homeowners. - https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/
This initiative recognizes veteran-owned small businesses that give back to the veteran community. VA.gov
With the more than 1.4 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary continue to fight for all that is good FOR VETERANS. https://www.vfw.org/
Call 800-273-8255 and select 1, or text 838255, for confidential help 24/7. Many of the responders are veterans themselves.
Donate, fundraise, or spread the word to help warriors recover and transition back into civilian life. https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
CAE encourages all military personnel transitioning to civilian life to pursue opportunities that allow them to continue their mission and bring their experience to the next generation. We value the perspective our veteran personnel bring to training and solutions and we are committed to assisting in the transition to careers utilizing skills, knowledge and experience they have acquired in service.
To get more information about CAE Veteran opportunities, SkillBridge, and to connect with Mike Garcia, please visit our website.
