GUILDFORD, United Kingdom–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Linde (NYSE:LIN; FWB:LIN) announced today that its subsidiary, Praxair,
Inc., has expanded its Skills Pipeline workforce development
program in collaboration with Central Louisiana Technical Community
College (CLTCC) in Alexandria and the U.S. Army installation at Fort
Polk. The new Army Career Skills Program, which began in February,
provides professional truck driving scholarships to soldiers who are
transitioning back to civilian life. The program is the first in the Skills
Pipeline family to be solely focused on veterans.
Praxair provided a gift of $145,000 to launch the program and has plans
to begin a second cohort in June. The company has invested nearly $2
million in all Skills Pipeline programs in welding, advanced
manufacturing and professional truck driving since 2014.
The curriculum includes Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training and
the opportunity to obtain haz-mat and tanker endorsements relevant to
work in the chemical industry. Additionally, the program offers
instructorships, professional development and career-readiness content
from the company, including from some of the company’s veteran employees.
“We are thrilled to provide military personnel transitioning from the
armed services with meaningful opportunities as they return home,” said
Dr. Anne Roby, executive vice president. “Drivers are an essential part
of our team and we are focused on developing a diverse pipeline of
talented professionals to ensure we meet the needs of our customers. We
are very proud of the hard work of the veterans graduating in this first
cohort.”
“We are happy to include Praxair as part of our overall education
services programs here at Polk,” said U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major
Jerry Dodson. “Through our programs, we strive to offer soldiers quality
educational services both during their time on active duty and during
their transition into the civilian job market. We are confident that
Praxair will be a positive addition to our education services program.”
This program joins other successful Skills Pipeline programs,
including the inaugural program with Louisiana colleges. “Today, thanks
to Praxair, we have graduates working and earning competitive wages,”
said Monty Sullivan, president of the Louisiana Community and Technical
College System. “Many of whom would not have had the opportunity to
attend college. Their lives and families have greatly benefitted from
Praxair’s support.”
About Linde
Linde is a leading industrial gases and engineering company with 2018
pro forma sales of USD 28 billion (EUR 24 billion). The company employs
approximately 80,000 people globally and serves customers in more than
100 countries worldwide. Linde delivers innovative and sustainable
solutions to its customers and creates long-term value for all
stakeholders. The company is making our world more productive by
providing products, technologies and services that help customers
improve their economic and environmental performance in a connected
world.
For more information about the company, please visit www.linde.com
Contacts
Media: Lisa Esneault, (203) 837-2448, [email protected]
Investors: Juan Pelaez, (203) 837-2213, [email protected]
