2012 Center for Energy Workforce Development SummitNovember 14-16, 2012

Crystal Gateway Marriott• Arlington, VA

Setting Up Veterans for Success in the Recruiting Process

Andrew Bouldin, Southern Company

Overview TopicsIntroduction to Southern Company

Military-Friendly Culture

Success Factors

Troops to Energy Jobs Partnership

Recruiting/Outreach Model

Results

Southern Company

4.4 million customers4 State footprintOperating Companies- Alabama Power- Georgia Power- Gulf Power- Mississippi Power- Southern Nuclear- Southern Power- SouthernLINC WirelessOver 300 locations

Premier Provider of Electric Power

Simple, transparent business model#149 on Fortune 500 listHistory of sustainable, predictable growthStrong financial performanceConsistent top quartile, customer satisfaction

Attractive Investment

Values driven by Southern Style- Unquestionable Trust - Superior Performance - Total CommitmentLoyal, long tenured workforce92% of workforce has a high level of engagement

Strong Culture, Employer

of Choice

Military-Friendly CultureCommitment from senior leadership

Military employee resource group

Company HR policies that go above and beyond legal requirements to support military reserve/guard members

Continuation of Pride, Honor, Duty and Discipline in civilian work

Success Factors Employ dedicated Recruiting Strategist to serve as COE for veteran hiring

Educate Hiring Managers on the value of veteran hires

Integrate military recruiting into ATS and recruiting processes

Target routine/high volume jobs and create and maintain pipelines– Operations , Maintenance, Security, IT, Nuclear

Source from military for individual jobs as needed – Engineers, Emergency Preparedness, Etc.

Match job skills to MOSs for more targeted recruiting

Provide interview support/prep to veterans

Demonstrate that hiring veterans is more that a patriotic gesture. It is an opportunity to enhance the quality and diversity of our workforce

Troops to Energy Jobs • Pilot initiative led by five investor-owned utilities

• CEWD – www.cewd.org• Troops to Energy Jobs – www.troopstoenergyjobs.com

• Provides a pathway for veterans to transition to energy industry jobs• Accelerates training and employability of veterans• Three phases:

• Ready Now veterans transition directly to energy jobs• Some education/training• Extensive post-secondary education

• Provides career resources and coaches• Provides resume and interview tips • Matches participants to career or educational pathways

Military Recruiting/Outreach ModelFocus Partnerships/Programs

National Branding & Career Awareness

• GI Jobs • CivilianJobs.com • Corporate Gray• Military Spouse Employment Program• Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve• DirectEmployers Military Network Sites

Regional Branding & Career Awareness

Recruiting & Outreach

• Troops to Energy Jobs• Service Academy Career Conferences• Military Base Transition Assistance Programs • Heroes to Hire• Marine For Life• Army Partnership for Youth Success

Local Recruiting & Outreach

• Hiring Our Heroes Recruiting Events - US Chamber of Commerce• Targeted Military Base Career Fairs & Career Days• Local Military Organizations/Associations

Results Southern Company Workforce – 11% Veteran or Reservist

2012 YTD Hires – 15% Veteran

2012 YTD Nuclear Hires – 37% Veteran

Highest Ranking Utility – GI Jobs Military Friendly Employers

Most Valuable Employer (MVE) for Military by CivilianJobs.com