Ted Drennan had been a wage grade marine electrician at Industrial Production Facility Portsmouth for almost seven years when he enrolled in the a new partnership program with the Army’s Civilian Career Development Program, hoping he would make new connections. The training ultimately lead to a new job and promotion within the Coast Guard.
“Being selected for this prospect gave me hope that advancement was possible” said Drennan who was recently hired as a GS-11 safety and occupational health specialist at the Shore Forces Logistics Center (SFLC) in Norfolk, Virginia. His experience just goes to show how a mentorship program can open many doors.
Cmdr. Jason Plumley, industrial manager of the Coast Guard Industrial Production Facility (IPF) Portsmouth, Virginia, said, “The strength of Ted’s resume and interview techniques, along with guidance received from his mentor and the program, created an opportunity for him to transition from the wage grade (WG) to the GS workforce. Moreover, he amazingly changed job series during the mentorship process."
In September 2019, the Civilian Career Management (CCM) Office partnered with the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, so that several Coast Guard civilians could attend the Army’s Civilian Career Development Program. The program is a year-long professional development opportunity focused on building senior leadership competencies.
Mentorship training focuses on developing civilians’ skills in important areas, such as critical thinking, leading and managing change, and career development and enhancement.
"Career development opportunities are essential for the service to build a mission-ready total workforce and be prepared to take on future missions," said Dr. Gladys Brignoni, director of the Coast Guard's Force Readiness Command. "Mentors can help individuals tap into their career potential and grow both personally and professionally. It's an invaluable opportunity for both the mentor and mentee, and providing opportunities such as these to our civilian workforce demonstrates our commitment to their continued success within the Coast Guard."
How to Apply to the Career Program Mentor Cohort Partnership
The CCM Office will solicit new participants each fall for this mentorship program. The sponsoring unit must support associated travel costs for those selected.
For additional information, please contact Ms. Audra Hearrell, CCM Program Manager,