How this technology staffing company is investing heavily in veterans

During the pandemic, tech companies have aggressively expanded amid an explosion of remote work, a race for talent fueled by near-zero interest rates, a booming stock market and high consumer demand. Fast forward to today and many of the same companies now face interesting challenges.

Tech jobs are still in high demand, with nearly 1.1 million posted in the first quarter of the year. But due to ever-increasing inflation and economic uncertainty, many companies are now hiring or downsizing. On the other hand, some companies are still trying to increase their workforce, but find a lack of qualified candidates and an increasingly competitive recruitment market.

Fortunately for these companies, there is a reliable pipeline of qualified candidates with proven work ethic, adaptability, and extensive experience that many employers don’t even consider.

That pipeline is the oldest community.

Everyone knows that the primary job of our military is to kill the enemy and break their chains, but what most people don’t realize is that it is achieved by a small number of our service members, while the vast majority support them by doing the same jobs. Types of jobs available in the civilian world. And even those in a military role gain valuable skills and experiences that are directly applicable to the civilian workforce.

In addition to specific job skills, veterans bring many other assets to the companies they work for. Leadership is one obvious asset, but to name a few other assets are problem solving, adaptability on the go, taking initiative, managing chaos and working independently.

Some companies clearly recognize the unique value veterans bring to the table, and seek them out specifically for that reason.

Optomy Professional Services is one such company that not only hires veterans, but has implemented a program that specifically seeks them out and provides extensive training and job placement support.

In the year Founded in 2012, this name is in “best”, which means “to be the best; The last one.’ The concept behind OPS was to “create a unique technology talent organization full of innovative thinking with the aim of better serving the industry to create impact”.

OPS finds and hires untapped talent, but also develops this new local IT workforce through tech training programs. Its organic success led to the creation of several brands and in nine years it generated sales of more than 100 million dollars.

After analyzing how much of the tech and IT world focuses on recruiting from coastal cities and top universities, OPS looked into it. With more than 10 million veterans unemployed and 65% of OPS leadership veterans joining the organization after decades of military service, the company is committed to providing veterans with a second, highly skilled career opportunity.

To identify and train talented veterans for specialized IT roles, OPS will establish their transfer centers near military bases. This will also allow veterans to stay in their communities, better access VA benefits, and make the overall transition easier for both veterans and their families.

Provals (OPS IT Training and Outsourcing Company) provides ITO (Information Technology Outsourcing), BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) and support to companies looking to retain their outsourcing technology services in the U.S. The training curriculum includes essential and professional skill building. Recent transitions to the civilian world can help them feel supported, confident, and prepared for their new career path in the fast-growing IT industry. In fact, 96% of internship graduates are employed full-time.

Through their “Hiring Heroes” campaign, the company is working to have a workforce that includes 30% military veterans; Currently it has reached 18%. Within that 18%, Provals shows a disparity between the various branches: 25% Army, 31% Navy, 31% Air Force and 13% Navy.

In the year In 2021, Provals was designated a Military Friendly® Employer. In the year By 2022, the company had earned several Military Friendly® designations, including: Employer, Spouse Employer, Supplier Diversity Program, Company and Brand.

“It should come as no surprise to anyone that our US veterans have a high level of skill, work ethic and overall quality of character. They bring a sense of urgency, a get-it-done mindset and overall attention to detail (getting it right the first time is crucial in their previous roles). All the most valuable assets to have in a team. For Provals in particular, their mentorship and leadership continue to have a significant impact on our business as we continue to hire talent from all walks of life,” said Laura Chevalier, President of Provals, after receiving the designation in 2021. Laura, a military veteran herself, has a unique perspective on IT services. Provals is the world class it is today. She leads a team responsible for building a close-knit organization.

The company has a series on its blog where they interview employees about their experiences with the company and why they love coming to work every day.

“What do you like about working at Provals?” When asked, Jason (who came through the contract as Security Operations Center Manager and is now Director of Security Delivery) said, “I’ve never worked in a place where I felt like it. That my thoughts and feelings are heard. I have daily discussions with my direct supervisor. It’s really all about communication. I don’t want to downplay my time in the military because I really appreciate the opportunities I have there, but I never heard of working here. Sometimes I wonder why. It’s a great feeling. The magic is definitely there.”

In the words of the company, “creating opportunities that never existed; With companies that believe in America’s future, Provals is creating an independent, superior workforce. We are ushering in a new era of tech talent equipped to strengthen America’s future. And they’re making sure to help military veterans along the way.

This is a much-needed initiative—especially considering that we have many service members transitioning out of the military and into a struggling economy, and I applaud the work Optomy Professional Services is doing to support the veteran community.