CVS Health expands efforts to help veterans transition to civilian careers

7/18/2018
CVS Health is growing the resources it offers former soldiers who are transitioning to civilian life. The Woonsocket, R.I.-based company has expanded its participation in the Department of Defense SkillBridge Initiative, which helps servicemen and women transition from military life to private sector civilian careers, to two new locations — Hampton Roads in Virginia and Schofield Barracks in Hawaii.

Active duty military at these bases can begin training with CVS Health within 180 days of their separation from military service.

"The U.S. Department of Defense estimates approximately 1,300 new veterans and their families return to civilian life every day, many of whom are looking for the opportunity to find meaningful employment after serving," CVS Health executive vice president and chief human resources officer Lisa Bisaccia said.

"We're proud to be expanding our opportunities for transitioning veterans, while also helping to build a pipeline of talent with the unparalleled skills and experience that veterans provide."

As part of the SkillBridge Initiative, transitioning service members are connected to a dedicated CVS Health colleague to learn about available job opportunities with the company. Participants complete classroom curricula and a 12-week internship at a nearby CVS Pharmacy location, and take part in a virtual job tryout to practice their interviewing skills. Following the completion of military service, veterans are eligible to apply for a position at any CVS Pharmacy across the country.

The company’s expansion of skills training to Virginia and Hawaii comes as it marks a year since opening the CVS Health Talent Connect Center at Fort Bragg, N.C. The company said the center combines hands-on support with state-of-the-art virtual reality technology to guide veterans and their spouses through the opportunities available within the company nationwide. CVS Health said that in the past year, it has hired half of those who have completed the curriculum and training programs. It noted that since 2015, 12,500 people with military experience and more than 3,400 military spouses have joined its workforce.
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