Vets Power Us

The Vets Power Us Initiative

We strongly believe that hiring and caring for veterans and military spouses strengthens our co-ops and our communities. That’s why we created the Vets Power Us Initiative to:

  • Help veterans explore meaningful career opportunities within America’s electric cooperatives.
  • Help co-ops recruit, hire and honor veterans.

 

INFO SHEET (PDF)

In Their Own Words

In honor of Veterans Day, we asked veterans to share about similarities between their military experience and working for America’s electric cooperatives. Take a few minutes to hear what they had to say in this powerful video.

 

What Is an Electric Co-op?

America’s not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives provide service to 42 million people in 48 states.

(Image courtesy of Georgia Transmission Corp.)
(Image courtesy of Georgia Transmission Corp.)

They are dedicated to providing safe, reliable and affordable energy to consumer-members. Unlike investor-owned utilities, which seek to generate profits for outside investors, electric co-ops are owned by the people they serve. It is this fundamental difference that shapes everything they do.

Why Join an Electric Co-op?

Co-op values and principles align well with military values, which eases the transition from military to the civilian workforce. Their community dedication and the co-op business model are what sets them apart from other employers.

Seeking a career with an electric co-op comes with great advantages as they:

  • Are comprised of a nationwide network that collaborates and shares experiences.
  • Are community-dedicated employers; concern for community is one of the Seven Cooperative Principles.
  • Provide rewarding job opportunities in a variety of areas, great benefit packages and competitive retirement plans.
  • Recognize the value of diversity in their workforce.
  • Are committed to welcoming veterans into the co-op family.

What Is the Co-op Difference?

Co-ops around the world operate according to a core set of principles that originated in 1844 from the first modern co-op. These principles, along with the co-op purpose of improving quality of life for their members, make electric co-ops different from other electric utilities.

Understanding the Seven Cooperative Principles

  1. Open and Voluntary Membership
  2. Democratic Member Control
  3. Members’ Economic Participation
  4. Autonomy and Independence
  5. Education, Training and Information
  6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
  7. Concern for Community

If you’re a veteran and the co-op principles resonate with you, look no further. Start your electric co-op career today!

Find Jobs

  • Co-op Jobs: Explore job opportunities at NRECA and at electric co-ops across the United States through NRECA’s Cooperative Career Center.
  • Energy Jobs: Learn how to make a successful transition from the military to a rewarding career in the energy industry through the Center for Energy Workforce Development’s Troops to Energy Jobs Initiative.

Gain New Skills

  • Find training programs, schools or college majors in any local area across the United States through careeronestop.com sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
  • Southeast Lineman Training Center is approved to certify veterans for post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, which will pay up to 100% of the program’s costs including a one-time stipend of $240 for books and supplies.