First Solar Named Military Friendly Employer by G.I. Jobs Magazine

First Solar, Inc. announced that it has been designated a 2013 Military Friendly Employer by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs magazine. Criteria for the designation included a benchmark score across key programs and policies such as the strength of company military recruiting efforts, the percentage of new hires with prior military service, retention programs and company policies on National Guard and Reserve service.

“Companies earning the prestigious Military Friendly Employers designation are rising stars with strong military recruitment programs and meaningful job opportunities for transitioning service members and spouses seeking civilian employment,” said Sean Collins, vice president for Victory Media and director for G.I. Jobs.

Approximately 8% of First Solar’s 1,700 U.S. associates are veterans or have military affiliations. In addition, the contracted workforce that constructs the nearly 3 gigawatts of utility-scale solar power projects that First Solar is developing in North America is estimated at more than 4,000, with a focus on veteran and military recruitment.
“Our experience with veterans and military personnel has been outstanding,” said Trevor Gelder, First Solar talent acquisition manager. “Whether at our production facility, offices or projects, we find that people with military backgrounds are exemplary team players who know how to focus on the mission and get results. We’re honored with the recognition we’ve received from G. I. Jobs.”

First Solar works with a number of organizations in its military recruiting efforts, including Orion International, the Lucas Group’s military division, the Marine for Life program and numerous veteran career sites.