NextOp’s goal for 2015 was to place 150 veterans into energy and construction careers, and with 117 veterans placed at press time, the program was well on its way to another success.
“NextOp was founded in 2014 by several energy sector executives who wanted to ensure more veterans had the opportunity to work in the industry,” explained Executive Director John Boerstler. “Over their many decades of experience, our founding board members recognized veterans make a significant impact on a company’s productivity and bottom line.
“Additionally, they recognized veterans were known for showing up early, staying late, learning their jobs faster than their civilian counterparts, are always safety conscious and show their supervisors respect.
“These executives continue to fund NextOp so companies interested in hiring veterans do not have to pay, which significantly reduces any barriers of veterans entering these careers.”
Boerstler, a Marine veteran who earned the rank of sergeant and served a combat tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, assisted NextOp with several programs he had developed throughout his career in the energy, nonprofit and governmental sectors and was asked to apply for the executive director position.
“NextOp serves our nation’s hardworking veterans by helping with job placement assistance, mentorship and support,” he said. “We connect skilled mid-level service members with Gulf Coast employers in the energy, manufacturing and construction sectors — all at no cost.”
In addition to the placements in 2015, NextOp has mentored over 220 veterans seeking a new career and directed over 20 more into various training and education programs that will help them in seeking a new career in the energy field upon completion.
“We accomplished this with four full-time staff, 30 mentors, eight board members and 50 committed corporate partners,” Boerstler said.
NextOp has partnered with Ft. Polk’s career skills programs that are helping train active duty soldiers in welding, pipefitting and construction trades before they leave the Army.
“That will have a tremendous impact on their transition from military to civilian life here in the Gulf Coast,” Boerstler said.
As NextOp heads into 2016, the team can use the help of industry.
“We need mentors,” Boerstler said. “Our mentors are veterans who have made the successful transition from the military to the energy sector and help plug our military candidates into their professional networks, review their résumés, conduct mock interviewing, career coaching in terms of what to expect when entering a corporate culture, and most importantly can ask the questions HR staff can’t ask.
“This greatly helps our veterans focus in on the right opportunity for not only them-selves but their families as well.”
NextOp pairs military candidates with mentors based on like military experience and what segment of the industry they are seeking to move into upon discharge.
NextOp also needs new corporate partners in order to place more qualified veterans into energy careers.
“NextOp’s corporate partners are among some of the most well-respected companies in the energy, manufacturing and construction industries that truly value military skills and experience. There is no cost to corporate partners or veterans, as NextOp is proudly funded by our board of directors.”
For more information, visit www.nextopvets.org/mentors and www.nextopvets.org/corporate-partners, email info@nextopvets.org or call (832) 735-0051.
