Gilbane’s long history of supporting the United States military is reflected in our many past and current contracts with the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, as well as our ability to identify, attract, and hire qualified veterans in critical positions. “Gilbane is a respected leader in the Federal marketplace, having completed hundreds of construction and other projects for Federal Government agencies in the last decade,” says Doug Harper, Senior Director of Business Development and U.S. Air Force veteran. “Much of our success performing Federal work is a direct result of our ability to recruit and hire a cadre of highly experienced military veterans,” he adds.
The most important thing we look for in prospective candidates is shared values. We believe those who have served in our military understand the true value of loyalty, discipline, commitment to excellence, teamwork, integrity, toughmindedness, caring, and entrepreneurship. One of the ways Gilbane identifies experienced veterans is through the U.S. Department of Defense SkillBridge Program, connecting transitioning service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences.
Gilbane became an Employer Partner of the Department of Defense SkillBridge program in August 2022 and has had 19 veterans participate in the program with a 70% conversion rate from internship to full-time employee upon completion. Some participants are actively working in an internship. SkillBridge provides an opportunity for service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during their last 180 days of service. Service members participating in SkillBridge programs continue receiving military compensation and benefits, while industry partners provide civilian training and work experience. Participants in this program are supported during their military-to-civilian transition period as they make valuable connections with trusted employers.
Gilbane has had SkillBridge participants from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. One of our newest veteran hires is Tina Street, a nine-year veteran of the U.S. Navy who most recently served as Aviation Administrator and came to Gilbane through the SkillBridge Program. After completing her SkillBridge internship, Tina joined the Gilbane Federal Estimating team as a full-time hire on October 9, 2023. “I truly enjoyed sharpening my skills and learning from the Federal estimators of Gilbane. They cultivated a positive learning environment, and I felt like part of the team from the first day,” said Tina. “I am grateful and excited to start my journey.” Tina further shares how her military experience provides Gilbane with an edge in the pursuit and execution of Federal work, explaining, “My military experience gives me a unique perspective and understanding of the pursuit and execution of Federal work. I can now add value from a consumer point of view, and I am familiar with operating under the same policies and procedures as Gilbane’s Federal clients.”
Tina is only one of a group of many amazing veterans who help us successfully win and deliver projects every day. The knowledge, experience, and values they bring from their military experience are key to our success in safely and successfully performing hundreds of projects. “Gilbane appreciates Veterans and recognizes their honored service to our Country,” said SkillBridge Program Manager Larry Everly. “They’ve worked in military organizations rich in values, and many of them have developed leadership and managerial skills as well as technical training associated with their primary military occupation.”
For more information on Gilbane’s Federal work, please click here. If you are a veteran or know a transitioning veteran interested in joining our team, please click here or email Gilbane’s SkillBridge Program Manager, Larry Everly.
