Ft. Hood Soldiers Jump Start Civilian Careers Stress-Free With Training, Employment Offers in Collision Industry

Sadler is one of 13 Ft. Hood soldiers nearing completion of their military service who graduated  this past week from Caliber Collision's Changing Lanes program, an innovative training designed to provide skills and tools for a successful new career in the fast-growing collision repair industry.

These soldiers comprise Ft. Hood's first graduating cohort of Changing Lanes which provides active duty service members with free training, certification and employment opportunities prior to transitioning out of the U.S. Armed Forces.  

"I have been amazed at the abundance of information and training we have received in a short period of time," said Nate McGuire, another Changing Lanes participant with 11 years in the service. "I feel that we have been set up for success, that we are just not going out there on our own. We have the skills and training to earn income right away."

The 18-week hands-on-training course is offered free to transitioning soldiers at Caliber's dedicated Changing Lanes Training Academy in Killeen, TX.  Participants earn industry accredited I-CAR points through a combination of class instruction and hands-on training experience. All 13 soldiers in this first Ft. Hood cohort have received employment offers at Caliber locations, primarily in Central Texas, and will start their careers armed with a $12,000 toolbox.. 

"Transitioning into civilian life is one of the most stressful times for soldiers and their families. Changing Lanes is so powerful because it gives back to our soldiers what they want and deserve the most – the ability to continue to take care of their families and maintain their quality of life. We can't thank Caliber enough for showing our soldiers how much we appreciate their sacrifices," said Charles Green, Director of Human Resources at Ft. Hood. 

"Changing Lanes is an absolute win-win for our military heroes and Caliber," said Steve Grimshaw, Caliber Collision Chief Executive Officer. "Transitioning soldiers gain valuable skills to jump start a rewarding collision repair career. Caliber Collision benefits from bringing on board teammates whose military training and background mirrors our core values and commitment to provide complete satisfaction as we restore the rhythm of lives."

Caliber's Changing Lanes program first launched earlier this year at Ft. Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina.  The company anticipates enrollment of 200 additional soldiers by the end of this year at Ft. Hood, Ft. Bragg and other military installations throughout the country, and an overall goal to train 500 soldiers per year beginning in 2018.

Soldiers Refurbish, Donate Car for Veteran Family

A highlight of the graduation ceremonies was the presentation of a 2016 Honda Civic, which the Changing Lanes cohort refurbished for Killeen veterans Antoinette and Patrick Dombrosk who together have 16 years of service.

Antoinette was medically retired two years ago, and has been unable to work, resulting in financial strain for the family. Recently their only car broke down, leaving Patrick, Antoinette and their children, ages 7 and 9, to rely on bus, foot or rides from family and friends.

The vehicle donation is part of Caliber's Recycled Rides program in partnership with the National Auto Body Council where collision repair industry businesses team up to donate and repair vehicles to individuals in need of reliable transportation. 

About Caliber Collision Centers

Caliber Collision Centers is the largest collision repair company in America with 513 I-CAR Gold Class Professional certified collision repair centers across 17 states.  Caliber is consistently ranked among the highest customer satisfaction scores in the industry and backs all repair work with a written, lifetime warranty available at any of its repair centers. For more information about Caliber Collision, please visit our website at www.calibercollision.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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Kim Kimbriel – (C) 520-548-2000
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SOURCE Caliber Collision Centers

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