Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) Announces Lead Sponsorship from Northrop Grumman to Support NVTC Veterans Employment Initiative

HERNDON, Va., July 8, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) today announced that Northrop Grumman Corporation will be the lead sponsor of the NVTC Veterans Employment Initiative, contributing $250,000 to help veterans with what they identify as their greatest challenge in transitioning to civilian life: finding a job.

Employment of veterans is an urgent national issue. In addition to the estimated 750,000 currently unemployed veterans, more than one million more service members will transition to civilian careers – and need employment – during the next five years. Additionally, Virginia is one of only three states with an expected increase in its population among working-age veterans. Yet at the same time, local technology employers say that finding qualified workers is a key long-term business challenge.  Veterans need employment and technology companies need skilled employees so this is an important endeavor.

The Veterans Employment Initiative, first launched by NVTC in August 2013, is designed to accelerate veterans' transition to civilian life by providing better employment opportunities in Virginia. The program matches veterans with jobs, internships, mentorships, and certifications while providing support to NVTC member companies as they hire, train, and retain qualified veteran employees. 

NVTC is also collaborating with state and federal policymakers to expedite legislative and regulatory action that enhances a company's ability to recruit, hire, train and retain veterans.

"Northrop Grumman is devoted to supporting our service men and women and particularly pleased to assist this program which can have a significant impact in the National Capital Region," said Sandra Evers-Manly, Northrop Grumman vice president of Global Corporate Responsibility.

"While thousands of veterans search for employment, companies in the Northern Virginia technology community maintain that finding qualified workers is one of their most critical long-term challenges," said NVTC President and CEO Bobbie Kilberg. "Through the generous support of Northrop Grumman, the NVTC Veterans Employment Initiative will enhance its ability to assist both veterans and employers in Virginia, strengthening our regional economy and easing the transition to civilian life for those who have served our country."

About the Northern Virginia Technology Council: The Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) is the membership and trade association for the technology community in Northern Virginia. As the largest technology council in the nation, NVTC serves about 1,000 companies from all sectors of the technology industry, as well as service providers, universities, foreign embassies, nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies. Through its member companies, NVTC represents about 300,000 employees in the region. Visit NVTC at www.nvtc.org.

About Northrop Grumman: Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

SOURCE Northern Virginia Technology Council