CONSOL Energy’s Job Training Program Supports Local Veterans

CONSOL Energy (NYSE:CNX), in partnership with members of the Pittsburgh Technology Council (PTC) and other local investors, helped to raise $50,000 for Operation: Eternal Thanks, “OET,” a veteran’s technology-based re-training program.  The program, supported by Wounded Warriors and Darkhorse Benefits, is designed to educate, train, empower and employ our nation’s heroes.

Operation: Eternal Thanks is an eight week online training program for Wounded Warriors, Veterans, Caregivers and Spouses.  The current program covers Project Management, Database Administration, Data Analytics and SQL. CIO’s, hiring managers and IT professionals across the United States have teamed up to help find permanent placement for OET graduates; some of whom are securing positions with local companies.

“I found it very difficult to get a foot in the door for even an interview while being in the National Guard, commented Mark Smith, OET graduate.  “Darkhorse Benefits, who reviewed my resume, has made all the difference. With their support of veterans and their involvement with major corporations, they not only helped me obtain an interview, but, because of their efforts, I have found a new home with CONSOL Energy.”

CONSOL Energy recognizes the value military veterans bring to our business and is committed to hiring veterans in the communities in which we live and work.  Mark Hrutkay, CONSOL Energy Director of Human Resources, says the caliber of veteran employees at CONSOL Energy is indicative of programs like OET.

“The employees that CONSOL recruits and hires from the military add significant value to our workforce. They receive world class leadership and skills training and adapt well to changing conditions,” Hrutkay said. “They are high priority recruiting targets at Consol.”

OET has been fully operational in the Greater-Pittsburgh area for four months.

“We know veterans bring extraordinary and adaptable skill sets to Corporate America.  Through Operation Eternal Thanks, we are training our warriors and caregivers on tomorrow’s technology, which make them ideal job candidates, commented Mike Heller, Vice President, Darkhorse Benefits. “ It is a privilege to have companies like CONSOL Energy recognize this value and hire our nation’s veterans.”

Funds raised for the program are used to provide a debt-free education and sustenance assistance to all graduates.  The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also provides support for education, living expenses and tools needed for wounded warriors to become effective in IT.

To learn more about the program visit: http://darkhorsebenefits.com/operations/operation-eternal-thanks/.

This is the second year PTC members have banded together to raise money for Operation Eternal Thanks.

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