IBM plans to hire 2,000 veterans over the next four years, as part of its broader commitment to hire 25,000 U.S. workers by 2020.
To reach this goal, IBM expanded its nationwide certification program that trains veterans in software skills, particularly those used in defense and law enforcement industries. To date, the program has trained more than 500 veterans.
The initiative, which is part of IBM's philanthropic impact grants, includes a focus on "new collar jobs," which do not always require a four-year college degree.
"What's most important in these roles is having the right mix of skills and experience that our clients need in fast-growing areas like cloud computing, cybersecurity, network management and digital design," said Diane Gherson, senior vice president of human resources at IBM. "Veterans bring a disciplined work ethic, as well as strong collaboration and communications skills acquired through their military service, all capabilities that IBM values highly."