FORT SILL, Okla., Nov. 22, 2017 -- A new vocational training program is set to begin through the Soldier for Life (SFL) Transition Complex, here.
The free, 16-week CAT Diesel 3512 Industrial Engine Career Skills Program (CSP) will prepare graduates to work at the Warren CAT dealership in Oklahoma City (OKC). The first class begins Jan. 29.
Warren CAT is the authorized Caterpillar dealer for Oklahoma and West Texas, said Mark Horner, Warren CAT Tulsa Human Resources director. A longtime leader among Caterpillar dealerships, Warren CAT has over 1,400 employees and is the world's largest distributor of Caterpillar-branded diesel engines, and the second largest dealership in the nation.
Ten service members will be accepted for the first class; the deadline application is Dec. 15, said Lloyd Compton, Fort Sill SFL marketing manager. There are still openings for the class.
The course is open to transitioning Soldiers from the Fort Sill SFL regional partnership, which also includes forts Bliss and Hood (Texas); Fort Riley, Kan.; Fort Carson, Colo.; and Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. As a condition of acceptance into the training, service members must agree to work at the Warren CAT facility in OKC, Horner said.
There is an application process for the Warren CAT training, Compton said.
First, for any of its training programs the SFL screens transitioning Soldiers for any current or pending disciplinary actions, recent safety violations, DUI convictions, work performance, etc., Compton said.
Warren CAT also requires a drug screening, a physical assessment, and passing a mechanical skills assessment test. Applicants who make it this far are then given an interview with Warren CAT managers.
Warren CAT is looking for applicants with mechanical aptitude, even if that's not what they work at in their military occupational specialty (MOS), Horner said.
For example, if a Soldier works in logistics, but went through an automotive program in high school, then he or she should consider applying.
"If you have mechanical aptitude, our technical training staff can teach you," he said.
Warren CAT also looks for values in its applicants which the military is known for instilling, such as reliability, teamwork, leadership, dedication, initiative, motivation, discipline, as well as organizational skills, and safety and fitness awareness.
The industrial engine curriculum is taught by Warren CAT technical staff at their modern training facility in OKC, Horner said. Transportation will be provided at no charge for Soldiers to and from Fort Sill to OKC.
The CAT Diesel 3512 Industrial Engine is a four-star career skills program. This means graduates will receive four certifications: safety fundamentals, network systems use (engine computer diagnostics), engine disassembly procedures, and industrial engine assembly.
"This is hands-on training," Horner said. "The safety training is in the classroom, but other than it is hands on."
WIDE OPEN JOB MARKET
The heavy equipment industry is rapidly expanding, and there is a vast shortage of qualified industrial engine and diesel service technicians in North America, Horner said.
Oklahoma and Texas are among states with the largest gap because of the saturation of gas and oil support companies in the area, Horner said.
MILITARY FRIENDLY
"Warren CAT got to the position it's at because of the strength of our people that we bring into our organization," Horner said, "and the military is a big piece of that."
Warren CAT employees enjoy the full portfolio of health, life and family benefits, including profit sharing and more, Horner said. Graduates of the CSP can enjoy a long-term, stable career with a competitive compensation package that starts around $65,000 with overtime. This program also offers advancement opportunities at its 15 retail service centers.
There is also a spouse-employment assistance program, Horner said. The Warren CAT human resources team works closely with supporting spouses of service members to interview for positions at Warren CAT.
Warren CAT has an extensive workforce that also includes a huge support staff of administrators, accountants and logisticians; a truck driving division; and a large parts division, Horner said. The company also works closely with the State of Oklahoma Works network to find meaningful spousal employment in the OKC area.
Fort Sill and Warren CAT anticipate a long-term pipeline of employment opportunities for transitioning Soldiers, Compton said.
"It's really exciting to have Warren CAT here," Compton said. "They do a lot for the individual, the military and for the State."
The second Warren CAT class is scheduled to begin May 8.
In addition to the career skills training, Warren CAT offers full-time, direct-hire opportunities for experienced military retirees or recently transitioned veterans of all the armed services.
For more information regarding direct hire, contact Warren CAT Oklahoma recruiter Mike Murphy at 844-232-6246, or email mike.murphy@warrencat.com, or visit www.warrencat.com.
Soldiers interested in Fort Sill's Warren CAT training can call the Soldier for Life Transition Complex at 580-442-4824, or visit the facility in Bldg. 2502 Sheridan Road.
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