Official

GM launches Shifting Gears program, aims to turn vets into techs

General Motors is teaming up with the US Army and defense contractor Raytheon to launch a new program aimed at helping soldiers transition to civilian life by providing marketable job skills that will help them snag a spot at a GM brand dealership.

The Shifting Gears Automotive Technician Training Program, or Shifting Gears for short, is a 12-week program held at the Army's Fort Hood and is under the umbrella of the Army's Soldier for Life program. Once eligible soldiers pass the program, they're granted access to career counseling, job-placement services and employment assistance, which includes access to job opportunities at GM's sprawling dealership network.

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GM, U.S. Army and Raytheon Partner to Train Soldiers Returning to Civilian Life
'Shifting Gears' equips transitioning soldiers to become GM automotive technicians

Unique training to take place on-base at Fort Hood
12-week course includes classroom, online and hands-on training
Participants to receive career counseling; job placement services
WASHINGTON, D.C. – General Motors, the U.S. Army and Raytheon Company today announced they are teaming up to provide eligible transitioning Army soldiers with skills to become service technicians at GM dealerships after they return to civilian life.

The Shifting Gears Automotive Technician Training Program, a multi-year partnership between the two companies and the Army, will begin in August at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas.

Shifting Gears will be part of the Army's Soldier for Life support program, which helps soldiers reintegrate into their communities after leaving the Army. Upon successful course completion and program graduation, veterans receive career counseling, job-placement recommendations and employment assistance from Army Soldier for Life centers, and access to available GM technician employment opportunities through GM's authorized dealer network.

"Shifting Gears illustrates GM's commitment to serving those who serve America," said Steve Hill, GM vice president, U.S. Sales and Service. "GM has supported the U.S. military for 100 years. From providing purpose-built vehicles in conflict situations to today's support for veterans and returning military personnel, we continue to be their strong allies."

About General Motors

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com

About GM Military Support

With thousands of military veteran employees, General Motors' support for the United States armed forces spans generations. Today, Chevrolet assists Cell Phones for Soldiers, Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans, a variety of employment and grassroots initiatives, and is the Official Vehicle of the Army-Navy game. The GM Military Discount program offers discounts on most Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles for active duty, reserves, retirees, veterans (within one year of separation) and spouses of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and National Guard. GM proudly participates in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Hiring Our Heroes initiative aimed at finding meaningful employment for veterans transitioning to civilian life.

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