Vancer Earns ASLRRA Veterans Engagement Award

The American Short Line Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) has selected Vancer, a maintenance-of-way equipment manufacturer, as its 2021 Veterans Engagement Award honoree.

ASLRRA recognized Vancer for “focused and sustained efforts to recruit and retain veterans for employment, and for the company’s efforts beyond their workforce in supporting skill development for military veterans and their families.”

Among Vancer’s positive policies and programs for U.S. veterans:
• Military Liaisons: Installed by the human resources team, this group of select employees with previous military experience act “as a contact and guide for potential and new employees who are transitioning from active-duty military positions into Vancer roles.”
• STEM education: Since the late 1990s, Vancer has supported STEM programming in the community and at local trade and technical schools, which lead to skills development for veterans who may be attracted to a career at the company. “Vancer’s Troops2Techs tooling program and partnership with six Midwest community colleges ensures that program participants have the training needed to start on the right foot,” according to the company. “Vancer also assists participants with the cost of the program, allowing individuals to graduate debt free.” In addition, Vancer participates in STEM-related programs such as Dream It! Do It! and SkillsUSA.
• Transition Assistance Program: Vancer provides a suite of employee benefits that support military personnel and their families.

“Veterans bring a commitment to safety and mission, and valuable experience to the railroad industry,” ASLRRA President Chuck Baker said. “Our members have long recognized these attributes, and this award illustrates the many ways our members go above and beyond to recruit and retain this talent. Vancer’s commitment to identifying veterans in the community and creating a program that provides support as they transition to civilian roles has led to a workforce where one in 10 employees is a veteran.”

“Vancer is proud that over 10.5% of our workforce consists of veterans, members of the National Guard, and reservists,” Vancer Vice President of Human Resources Kevin Kirkle said. “Our commitment to hiring from these groups has led Vancer to receive the Seven Seals Award by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).”

The Veterans Engagement Award will be presented on Nov. 18 at ASLRRA’s Annual Conference & Exhibition in Phoenix, Ariz.