Purple Knight Initiative Fills a Need Helping Combat Wounded Veterans Obtain Real-World Skills
Cole Engineering Partners with Knight Federal to Offer Wounded Warrior Intern Program
Knight Federal Solutions is excited to announce a new partnership with Cole Engineering Services, Inc. (CESI), a premier provider of training solutions to the federal government and industry, through its wounded warrior internship program the Purple Knight Initiative (PKI).
PKI offers paid internships to wounded warriors who are seeking to learn a new career in fields that are conducive to their disabilities and desires for employment. Life after service can be a challenge to navigate, especially for those service members who have lived through combat with injuries. With the veteran in mind first, Knight Federal partners with defense and government agencies as well as their prime contractors, non-profit organizations, and corporations across the country, to find employment opportunities. With the veterans’ safety and welfare as top priority, PKI provides the education, management, and training for the veterans to develop future meaningful careers in high-demand technology fields.
“Cole Engineering is deeply committed to serving our veterans, and our partnership with Knight Federal’s Purple Knight Initiative is a great honor. Through our first PKI warrior hire we immediately recognized the difference PKI provides to transitioning veterans. As we continue to expand our partnership, we are proud to provide opportunities to these warriors who have sacrificed so much as they successfully transition from military to civilian life,” says Brian Serra, CESI’s Vice President, Acquisition Initiatives & Engagement.
More than 26,000 disabled veterans/wounded warriors are searching for career opportunities. A 2014 Pew survey found that 44% of veterans who served since 9/11 were having trouble adjusting to civilian life. That was particularly true for those who suffered serious injury or endured an emotionally traumatic experience during their service. Veterans have many qualities that make them superb candidates for employment: discipline, leadership, and competency in areas from health care to information technology. However, they typically have less civilian work experience than other applicants. For many companies, that makes a big difference.
“Partnering with Cole Engineering will further expand the opportunities for our combat wounded veterans to have meaningful careers, which is helpful for their rehabilitation and successful integration into civilian life. PKI’s primary focus is to mentor veterans, develop leadership skills, and successfully place them with veteran-friendly employers,” says Chris Baeten, CEO of Knight Federal Solutions.
If your company is interested in partnering with the PKI, please contact us.
