Doubling its military hiring commitment, AT&T has announced it plans to hire an additional 10,000 veterans for a total of 20,000 by 2020. This commitment was announced at the White House Joining Forces event, along with more than 50 other companies dedicated to hiring and training veterans and military spouses.

These companies recognize the immeasurable value of veterans’ skills and how well their expertise translates to businesses – and collectively pledged to hire 100,000 veterans over the next five years. The hiring commitment from AT&T is one of the largest announced.

In 2013, AT&T announced it would hire 10,000 veterans within the next 5 years, which was met at the end of 2015, well ahead of schedule. AT&T is doubling that commitment and pledged to hire an additional 10,000 veterans by 2020.

“Military experience is great preparation for a successful career at AT&T. Veterans’ leadership, integrity and commitment to service make them outstanding employees,” said Randall Stephenson, chairman and chief executive officer, AT&T. “We’re proud to have added 10,000 of these men and women to our team since 2013, and we look forward to hiring another 10,000 by 2020.”

AT&T actively focuses on recruiting veterans into career paths because the experience and skills gained through military service are an invaluable contribution to the workforce.

“It is an honor to have so many men and women who have served in our nation’s Armed Forces working with AT&T in Georgia. We are thankful for their service to our country, and are certainly grateful that they are working as part of AT&T Georgia’s team to meet the modern communications needs of Georgia’s businesses and residents, turning our billions of dollars in investments in the state into the high-speed connections that help to drive our economy and keep our communities connected,” said Bill Leahy, president of AT&T Georgia. “The skills and experience that our veterans possess make them strong assets on our team, and our company benefits tremendously from their presence on our team.”

 “While in the service, I often wondered if the self-discipline, teamwork and skills I was gaining would help me find a fulfilling career,” says JoHanna Martinez, military talent attraction manager, AT&T Talent Acquisition, and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. “15 years later, I now know that those skills have been the foundation to every success in my career. Because those values are part of the AT&T culture too.”

"Our veterans have proven their tremendous skills and value in their sacrifice to our country, good for corporate America to not only honor that commitment - but also benefit from those same skills and dedication these men and women bring to the private sector," said State Sen. Ed Harbison.

Once veterans are hired, AT&T helps ensure they have the skills needed to grow their career and succeed as an employee in the every-evolving technology landscape. The AT&T veterans’ employee resource group also serves more than 9,000 members and creates an instant community for veterans. This includes mentoring and helping other veterans in their transition process.
 
"As a member of the Senate Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee, I applaud AT&T's commitment to hiring more veterans. Their sacrifice and dedication is invaluable and should be honored with good job opportunities, and our businesses need the skilled workforce veterans provide,” said State Senator Larry Walker, III. “That's why I'm excited about Georgia's VECTOR center that is opening in Warner Robins in August.  Its mission is to assist our veterans in taking their military training and experience into the private sector, while providing Georgia's growing economy with job ready employees. Supporting our veterans as they transition back into civilian life is the right thing to do and I am appreciative to AT&T for their leadership role in this effort.”