Charter Values its Military Veterans

Charter is proud to support military veterans transitioning back into civilian life. Through proactive recruitment and expanded outreach, the company is committed to building a highly skilled and diverse workforce that is inclusive for all.

Charter is among best-in-class with regards to growing its veteran population. Compared to the federal government goal of 6 to 7 percent, more than 12 percent of our workforce is comprised of military veterans. But statistics pale in comparison when the goal is attracting top-notch talent.

Bill Nevala, Manager, Business Controls at the Rochester Minnesota Contact Center came to work for Charter after serving in the U.S. Army as an active duty member for 10 years.

“In the call center, we are a team of individuals working together to provide customers outstanding service. Individuals with a military background come with team building and mission-accomplishment experience and these are perfect baselines for a successful career. The military is permanently a part of who I am and I bring these traits and skills in my role at Charter every day.”

Combining recruitment practices from the three legacy companies has yielded some well-established programs and partnerships that recognize the unique value of veterans.

One program that has been particularly helpful is the Broadband Technician Apprenticeship Program.  Available in North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas; the  program involves 6,000 hours of on-the-job training with 536 hours of classroom instruction over four years and helps field technicians master their craft. The program provides a state and national certification, and veterans who become certified as broadband technicians can collect tax-free money from their GI Bill benefits in addition to their Charter paychecks.

“If I didn’t have the [Apprenticeship] program, I would have survived, but I probably would have lost my house,” says Devin Stewart, Broadband Technician, Spectrum Business in Charlotte, NC. “I had no idea how much it could change your life, change your career, and help you advance and learn a new skill basis that you thought you could never learn.”

One of the biggest challenges transitioning vets experience is relocation of family. To help military spouses make a fresh start, Charter partners with the Department of Defense’s Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) to help military spouses seeking career opportunities connect to employers who are actively recruiting.

Carlos del Castillo, Area Vice President, Field Operations in Riverview, FL, knows about the challenges that families of veterans face. Five years ago his son was killed while deployed in Afghanistan.

“The stress and burden that military families and spouses experience with unexpected financial difficulties as a result of deployment or other military-related activities can be overwhelming,” says Carlos. “The company demonstrates its commitment to helping veterans and their families through the organizations it partners with and supports like Mission Media,* MSEP, the VFW and others.”

Charter will continue to cultivate best practices in hiring and helping veterans transition into the workforce, like our support of VetNet-a veteran Employee Resource Group. Made up of veterans, their family members and all other employees interested in learning more about vets and military-related issues, VetNet collaborates with senior leadership for the growth and development of its members and provides opportunities for employees to do work in support of veterans and their families.

“I believe Charter is a fantastic supporter of the military,” said Bill. “The company supports current military servicemen and servicewomen when they need to be away at national training and guard/reserve training.”

“Charter understands the sacrifice that veterans make in service of their country,” said Carlos. “It’s evident in the heartfelt respect, honor and recognition given to its employees.”

* A cable industry-wide collaborative effort to create a sustainable platform for hiring veterans, for retaining them and to promote the cable industry as a desirable place to work.