Page 52 - 2019 Sustainability Report

MARTIN MARIETTA TAPS

INTO A GREAT TALENT PIPELINE:

AMERICA’S VETERANS

It’s the type of partnership where everybody wins. “The military veterans’ market is a great untapped resource
for us,” said Andrea Wun, talent acquisition manager. “As
Martin Marietta gets to meet with highly qualified military
veterans, introducing them to an exciting and worthwhile they prepare to step away from the military, many soldiers
industry. In turn, those veterans learn more about potential are looking for an environment that offers that same
career paths, allowing them to take an important step support and sense of community. The culture here
in their transition to civilian life. at Martin Marietta is similarly strong.”
Heroes MAKE America is able to make that dream a The partnership has long-term benefits as well.
reality. Led by The Manufacturing Institute, the National In fall 2019, Martin Marietta hosted several Heroes MAKE
Association of Manufacturers’ workforce and education America groups, giving our team members the opportunity
partner, the initiative builds a pipeline from the military to share their stories and connect with veterans at quarries
to manufacturing, giving veterans the opportunity to in North Carolina and Texas.
complement their experience with the skills and training Beckmann Quarry in San Antonio hosted one such
needed for a successful career in the industry.
gathering. Senior Human Resources Generalist Elizabeth
Balderrama, who has organized several Heroes MAKE
“Employers are eager for skilled America visits, said the program was rewarding.
workers to fill a multitude of job “Heroes MAKE America allows participants to see the
openings in the sector.” numerous opportunities we offer within Martin Marietta —
opportunities they may not learn about otherwise,”
she said. “That’s exactly why this program is important.”
“The manufacturing industry consistently cites the inability
to attract and retain talent as a top concern,” said Babs Heroes MAKE America looks to the future with plans to
Chase, the Institute’s vice president of military and veterans serve more veterans. As the program expands its footprint,
programs. “Employers are eager for skilled workers to fill a Chase said she and other program leaders welcome the
multitude of job openings in the sector.” opportunity to expand our partnership by involving teams
at other Martin Marietta sites.
And that’s where ‘Heroes’ comes in.
“Every year, more than 200,000 U.S. service members
return to civilian life,” said Chase. “These are men and “Heroes MAKE America allows participants
women who put their talents to work in a mission larger to see the numerous opportunities we offer
than themselves, are accustomed to working in teams within Martin Marietta — opportunities
toward common goals, and are in possession of skills and they may not learn about otherwise.”
talents that would make them excellent additions to any
manufacturing team.”
As of year-end, the program has graduated 268 service
members with a 90 percent job placement rate.

“As they prepare to step away from
the military, many soldiers are looking
for an environment that offers that
same support and sense of community.
The culture here at Martin Marietta is
similarly strong.”

52 / MARTIN MARIETTA / SUSTAINABILITY REPORT / 2019