Two technology companies, Protocase and 45Drives, have announced their sponsorship of North Carolina for Military Employment (NC4ME), a strategic initiative aimed at connecting military veterans with meaningful career opportunities in the state's growing tech and manufacturing industries.
With approximately 20,000 service members transitioning out of military installations in North Carolina annually, and an existing veteran population of 778,000, the partnership addresses critical workforce development challenges. NC4ME, established by the Governor in 2015, serves as a public-private collaboration to bridge employment gaps for veterans.
Both companies recognize the distinctive skills veterans bring to the workplace, including discipline, problem-solving capabilities, and technical expertise. Protocase President Steve Lilley highlighted the alignment between veteran skills and the company's mission of providing rapid manufacturing solutions. Similarly, 45Drives President Dr. Doug Milburn emphasized veterans' unique combination of attitude and aptitude that matches their organizational training approach.
Mike Pearson, Protocase's Chief Operating Officer and a veteran himself, understands the transition challenges firsthand. The partnership will focus on educating business leaders about veteran hiring benefits, providing HR training, and facilitating direct connections between employers and veteran job seekers.
The initiative represents a significant investment in North Carolina's workforce development, leveraging veterans' specialized skills to drive innovation in technology and manufacturing sectors. By addressing the employment needs of transitioning service members, Protocase and 45Drives are contributing to a robust local economy and providing meaningful career pathways for those who have served their country.
