United Rentals, Inc, the world’s largest equipment rental company, is making a name for itself as a veteran-friendly employer.

Based in Stamford, Connecticut, the US firm has received awards as a “leading employer of military veterans” from various organisations, highlighting its work hiring veterans and supporting their career development.

Awards for supporting veterans

United Rentals received a ‘HIRE Vets Gold Medallion’ by the US Department of Labor, which is the only federal award recognising “exceptional achievement in veteran employment.” The firm won the prestigious award for its “commitment to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development.”

As described by the department, the criteria for the award show United Rentals “demonstrated both patriotism and recognition of the value veterans bring to the workplace.”

They were also named as one of the “Top Ten” Military Friendly® Employers and ranked sixth overall in its list. Military Friendly measures an organisation’s “commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community.”

The firm received awards in the Military Spouse Friendly Employers, Military Friendly Company, and Military Friendly Supplier Diversity Program categories.

Commenting on the recent wins, Craig Pintoff, Executive Vice President, United Rentals, says: “United Rentals has a strong focus on veterans because of the leadership, teamwork and discipline they bring to all that they do.

“These awards reflect our belief that individuals with military backgrounds have tremendous experience to offer our company and ultimately our customers.”

United Rentals’ veteran inclusion policies

The company’s commitment to employing veterans is seen in their careers website, which includes a “Military Skills Translator” to help veterans find jobs at the company that fit their backgrounds.

The technology enables veterans to input their military occupation code (MOC) and receive an instant list of available positions that match their skills and attributes.

They also have a programme to help veterans transition to civilian work. The company partnered with non-profit organisation Workforce Opportunity Services to develop the Service to Employment Program (STEP), which offers ten weeks of class and hands-on training. Here, veterans learn technical and other skills, meet with company leaders, and gain real work experience at a United Rentals branch.

For staff still in active service, the firm provides these employees and their spouses with the flexibility to serve in the National Guard or Reserves. They also safeguard the jobs of those who serve in the uniformed services, provide pay during active duty deployments, and support reserve training commitments.

United Rentals also provides job protection for service members and eligible family members during active and medical leave.

Veterans United is the firm’s military employee resource group and is open to all current employees, regardless of military service.

More information about United Rentals and their support of veterans can be found here.