Helping Service Members Transition to Civilian Life
Helping Service Members Transition to Civilian Life
Transitioning from the armed services to civilian life is challenging for many, but Matson helps make the career change smoother in Alaska.
Matson’s team in Alaska signed a Memorandum of Agreement in a March ceremony at the Don Young Port of Alaska to participate in the U.S. Army’s Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) program. PaYS is a strategic collaboration between the Army and a cross-section of private industry, academia, and public sector agencies. The program guarantees soldiers and ROTC cadets five job interviews and possible employment after their service in the military is complete.
“We are all aware that there is a shortage of skilled workers both here in Alaska and along the West Coast, and we know from experience that ex-military folks make great employees and team members,” said Jennifer Tungul, vice president, Alaska operations.
The Army says soldiers who Helping Service Members Transition to Civilian Life participate in the program “gain leadership, valuable professional and technical skills, experience, and can feel confident in their career opportunities with their five chosen PaYS partners. “Partnering with the Army through the PaYS program is a ‘win-win’ opportunity for everyone involved.”
Tungul said Alaska Human Resources Manager Pam Zagrocki came up with the idea of joining the PaYS program. “We have several veterans in our Anchorage operation who know the caliber of those in our country’s Armed Forces. Several toured the Alaska National Guard’s facilities, identifying many operational similarities that would make for a seamless transition with minimal training.
“We are excited about this new partnership and look forward to long, mutually beneficial relations – one that feeds us well-trained, highly skilled employees in exchange for solid career opportunities with a great company,” she said.