MINNEAPOLIS — Troops to Trades, a Nexstar Legacy Foundation program, announced the launch of its Veterans’ Business Network. This network provides veterans, reserve, and National Guard members with direct connections to plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical (PHCE) service businesses looking to hire.

There are currently 136 businesses across the U.S., as well as two outside the country, that are part of the network. All participating businesses listed within the program agreed they are willing to help navigate the complexities of finding a job in the trades.

“We are actively recruiting businesses to be a part of the network. Our goal is to recruit thousands of veterans, reserve, or National Guard members into the PHCE service industry,” said Renée Cardarelle, executive director, Troops to Trades.

The PHCE service industry is facing a severe shortage of qualified technicians. With 60 percent of the current workforce leaving the industry and only 6 percent of high school students considering a career in the trades, there is a looming crisis.

Veterans, reserve, and National Guard members can access the program’s business network by visiting http://bit.ly/TroopsToTradesBN. Service industry businesses who wish to become a part of the Business Network can visit http://bit.ly/TroopsToTradeEmployers to review the guidelines and submit their requests to be a part of the program.

Publication date: 3/2/2015 

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