The Army Reserve Employer Partnership Initiative
What is it? Launched in April 2008, the Employer Partnership Initiative (EPI) helps drive employment opportunities for Soldiers by formalizing the relationship between the Army Reserve and the private sector. The EPI serves as a mechanism for Soldiers and employers to meet in the marketplace and identify mutually beneficial career possibilities.
Through the initiative, the Army Reserve and partner employers collaborate on workforce development issues, including training, professional development and credentialing. Ultimately the Army Reserve and employers enable each other’s efforts, instead of competing against one another. This collaboration is essential to the sustainability of the Operational Reserve and the vitality of the all-volunteer force, while providing corporations some of the best-trained professionals in the nation.
What has the Army Reserve done?
The Army Reserve has signed partnership agreements with more than 200 employers in nearly every state. Opportunities exist with Fortune 500 companies, healthcare centers, law enforcement agencies, transportation companies, state and federal agencies and many more.
The Army Reserve has developed an EPI job bank Web site for Soldiers. career advisers are also available to help Soldiers achieve their career goals. Additionally, EPI field representatives are deployed across the country to connect Soldiers with employers who are eager to hire them.
Why is this important to the Army Reserve?
The EPI offers Soldiers two careers - one with the Army Reserve and the other with an employer partner. This dual opportunity provides support to families, and helps Soldiers advance in both their civilian and military careers.
EPI also strengthens our nation. In today’s world, it is paramount for employers and the Army Reserve to collaborate on workforce advancement, to ensure that the United States remains competitive in the global economy as the Army Reserve continues to keep our nation safe.
What efforts does the AR plan to continue in the future?
The Army Reserve’s goal is to create long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with businesses across the country. The Army Reserve will continue to focus on diverse industries to increase opportunities for Soldiers and their families. Looking ahead, the Army Reserve will strive to open up EPI to Soldiers’ spouses as well.
EPI is currently open to all Soldiers who are in good standing with the Army Reserve. In the future the Army Reserve can see extending EPI to all Services and is currently sharing insights about EPI with other Services as they work toward this goal.
Resources:
Click on the EPI icon for more information: Army Reserve Web site
Join the conversations at these Army Reserve Employer Partnership Initiative social networking sites:
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