SOLON, Ohio – Swagelok Co., a global developer and manufacturer of fluid system products, is helping active military members transition to the civilian workforce.
Swagelok, based in Solon, is partnering with the United States Department of Defense on its SkillBridge program.
Through this national program, Swagelok invites transitioning service members to network, develop new skills and learn about the company.
“I think it’s a phenomenal program for Veterans,” said Joel Martin, manager of commercial training and services for Swagelok and steering team chair for the Swagelok Veterans and Military Resource Group.
“It allows them an opportunity to intern with a company or to learn a skilled trade and to build their network into the corporate world to help them with job placement after they separate from the military.
“This is one of the ways that people can get some professional experience, to start building their professional network and see what career options are out there for them.”
In addition to practical work experience, Swagelok SkillBridge fellows participate in an orientation process, attend personal and professional development classes, network with other program participants and meet with Swagelok leadership.
Their involvement is aided through the support of a mentor related to their work role, as well as a Veteran mentor. Opportunities are available in all areas of the organization, including operations, supply chain, sourcing, commercial, engineering and more.
“There are about 9,000 service members who separate from the military and move to Ohio annually,” Martin said. “So we recognize that demographic, and we wanted to reach out to them and connect them with opportunities to continue their career at Swagelok.”
Martin, who served in the U.S. Air Force, transitioned out of active duty in 2014. He currently serves as a major in the Air Force Reserves at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton.
“As a Veteran myself, when I made the transition from active duty, this program wasn’t available nationwide, let alone at Swagelok,” he said. “I wish it was available then, but I’m excited to see what it has become now for Ohio Veterans.”
The program also has the support of the highest levels of leadership at the company, including military Veteran and Swagelok President and Chief Operating Officer James Cavoli.
“As a fellow Veteran, I appreciate the invaluable skills that our service members have and the experience that they can leverage in the corporate sector,” Cavoli said in a news release.
Swagelok supports active-duty military members and Veterans in a variety of ways. The Swagelok Veterans and Military Resource Group, founded and operated by Swagelok associates with the support of company leadership, has made it its mission to make Swagelok an employer of choice for Veterans.
A network of skill sharing, professional development and mentorship focuses on helping Veterans, active reservists and National Guard military members succeed in the civilian workforce. The group also promotes team-building activities as it participates in community events and supports local and national charities.
Interested active military members who are transitioning to the civilian workforce can find more information at the Swagelok SkillBridge website at jobs.swagelok.com/content/skillbridge/ or reach out directly to
Swagelok also encourages all Veterans to contact
Swagelok Co., headquartered in Solon since 1965, is a $2 billion privately held developer of fluid system products, assemblies and services for the oil and gas, chemical and petrochemical, semiconductor and transportation industries. It serves customers through about 200 sales and service centers in 70 countries.
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