North Texas Municipal Water District becomes DOD SkillBridge Partner
The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) expanded on a longstanding commitment to recruit and hire veterans by joining the Department of Defense SkillBridge program as an Industry Partner. The program allows eligible active-duty service members to spend the last 6-18 months of their service in job training or apprenticeship programs while receiving their military pay and benefits.
Becoming a SkillBridge Industry Partner provides NTMWD additional outreach opportunities to recruit and hire people who are ending their active military service and are ready to embark on another rewarding career.
Talent Acquisition Specialist Alex Noguera worked on the agreement, which took roughly eight months to complete. Noguera previously served with the Seabees, a Navy operational force that specializes in construction, logistics and protection in austere or contested conditions. Because of this experience he understands how characteristics honed through military service benefit future employers.
“Our experience in the military provides us with a valuable skill set that can be applied to many different job roles,” he said. “We're punctual, we work hard, and we have a can-do attitude. We love collaboration. We’re good leaders. We bring those attributes to work every day.”
The District is currently recruiting veterans for jobs in water treatment or wastewater operations, and there are plans to expand to other career fields in the future. In addition to a generous benefit package, veterans who work for NTMWD after military service receive credit for their military time. There are intangible benefits as well.
“Coming to the district has really allowed me to continue my mission,” Noguera said. “I’m supporting and helping my local community, being a part of my community, making an impact, while still having a great collaborative environment where I can continue to grow and have a great career pathway forward.”
Service members looking for SkillBridge opportunities will soon find NTMWD on the SkillBridge website. Noguera is also spreading the word at career fairs. He said although the jump from active duty to civilian life can be daunting, the District is a great place to start.
“Keep your mind open,” he said. “Come ready to work and come ready to embrace something new. You can come from the collaborative environment of the military, where there's a lot of camaraderie, to another one. Becoming part of the team will help you to adapt, grow and integrate into the civilian workforce. Come ready to continue the mission.”