2012 Center for Energy Workforce Development Summit November 14-16, 2012 Crystal Gateway Marriott Arlington, VA

Setting Up Veterans for Success in the Recruiting Process Andrew Bouldin, Southern Company

Overview Topics Introduction to Southern Company Military-Friendly Culture Success Factors Troops to Energy Jobs Partnership Recruiting/Outreach Model Results

Southern Company 4.4 million customers 4 State footprint Operating Companies - Alabama Power - Georgia Power - Gulf Power - Mississippi Power - Southern Nuclear - Southern Power - SouthernLINC Wireless Over 300 locations Premier Provider of Electric Power Simple, transparent business model #149 on Fortune 500 list History of sustainable, predictable growth Strong financial performance Consistent top quartile, customer satisfaction Attractive Investment Values driven by Southern Style - Unquestionable Trust - Superior Performance - Total Commitment Loyal, long tenured workforce 92% of workforce has a high level of engagement Strong Culture, Employer of Choice

Military-Friendly Culture Commitment from senior leadership Military employee resource group Company HR policies that go above and beyond legal requirements to support military reserve/guard members Continuation of Pride, Honor, Duty and Discipline in civilian work

Success Factors Employ dedicated Recruiting Strategist to serve as COE for veteran hiring Educate Hiring Managers on the value of veteran hires Integrate military recruiting into ATS and recruiting processes Target routine/high volume jobs and create and maintain pipelines – Operations, Maintenance, Security, IT, Nuclear Source from military for individual jobs as needed – Engineers, Emergency Preparedness, Etc. Match job skills to MOSs for more targeted recruiting Provide interview support/prep to veterans Demonstrate that hiring veterans is more that a patriotic gesture. It is an opportunity to enhance the quality and diversity of our workforce

Troops to Energy Jobs Pilot initiative led by five investor-owned utilities CEWD – Troops to Energy Jobs – Provides a pathway for veterans to transition to energy industry jobs Accelerates training and employability of veterans Three phases: Ready Now veterans transition directly to energy jobs Some education/training Extensive post-secondary education Provides career resources and coaches Provides resume and interview tips Matches participants to career or educational pathways

Military Recruiting/Outreach Model FocusPartnerships/Programs NationalBranding & Career Awareness GI Jobs CivilianJobs.com Corporate Gray Military Spouse Employment Program Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve DirectEmployers Military Network Sites RegionalBranding & Career Awareness Recruiting & Outreach Troops to Energy Jobs Service Academy Career Conferences Military Base Transition Assistance Programs Heroes to Hire Marine For Life Army Partnership for Youth Success LocalRecruiting & Outreach Hiring Our Heroes Recruiting Events - US Chamber of Commerce Targeted Military Base Career Fairs & Career Days Local Military Organizations/Associations

Results Southern Company Workforce – 11% Veteran or Reservist 2012 YTD Hires – 15% Veteran 2012 YTD Nuclear Hires – 37% Veteran Highest Ranking Utility – GI Jobs Military Friendly Employers Most Valuable Employer (MVE) for Military by CivilianJobs.com