ROCKVILLE, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NS2 Serves recently celebrated the graduation of the fifth class of post-9/11 military service veterans from its world-class technology training and employment program at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Va. This class also marked the 100th veteran to graduate the program, which has a 100 percent graduation and job placement rate for its alumni, with graduates earning an average starting salary of over $60,000.
“There are two types of veterans: those who believe they deserve something and those who still want to make a difference. You all represent the latter,” said graduate Anthony Granillo, to his classmates.
The three-month, in- residence program trains service members with military backgrounds that may not translate well to the business world. The curriculum is centered around SAP software solutions that support a variety of U.S. government and business missions. Upon graduation, students earn “Certified SAP Associate” status – a globally recognized and highly sought after certification in the I.T. industry. In addition to the high-tech instruction, participants receive training in communication and presentation skills, participate in weekly discussions with business mentors, and career placement assistance.
Retired Air Force Major Gen. Joseph G. Balskus delivered the commencement address at the ceremony. Balskus served as the military assistant to the deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and requirements for the U.S. Air Force, as well as the commanding general of the Florida Air National Guard.
“Whether you were in infantry or aviation, you learned about honor and integrity,” said Balskus, to the graduates of the program. “Some company out there will benefit greatly from [hiring] each of you.”
Earlier this year, more than 20 companies and government agencies took part in a job fair hosted by NS2 Serves at their Leesburg training facility. As of today, the trainees are being sought for positions with organizations including Accenture Federal, CSC, SRA, SAP National Security Services (SAP NS2), and SAP America.
“Veteran unemployment is a problem that needs to be addressed one veteran at a time,” said Mark Testoni, CEO of SAP NS2, founder of NS2 Serves, and a 20-year veteran of the US Air Force. In his remarks, Testoni emphasized that the success of the program is anchored around their individual successes moving forward. “The true marker of this program’s success is when each graduate is hired and begins a new career. We'll be working hard in the next few weeks to realize this goal for each of the 23 graduates honored today.”
About NS2 Serves™
NS2 Serves™ is an independent, nonprofit organization established by SAP National Security Services, Inc. (SAP NS2®) to give back to the community it serves – the people of the U.S. national security community. NS2 Serves offers valuable training and employment assistance to recent veterans who have served our country’s national security needs. Full-time, paid participants are trained in world-class software solutions that support U.S. national security, leading to certifications that are valuable in many career paths in the U.S. and worldwide.
Featured on CBS This Morning and Fox and Friends, and recently honored by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden’s organization Joining Forces, NS2 Serves is changing the lives of veterans for the better. Further details on the program and instructions on how to apply for the next round of the program are at www.NS2Serves.org.