Maine businesses step forward, participate with state’s hire-a-veteran initiative

Sat, 11/10/2018 - 1:00pm
AUGUSTA -- More than 175 employers have joined 2018's Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign through the halfway point, with 62 reported hires by the end of October. The campaign's goal is for at least 100 employers to hire at least 100 veterans and military family members during 100 days, ending in mid-December. The annual effort launched on Labor Day and provides support for employers to expand the hiring of veterans and military family members.

"Through the Hire-A-Vet campaign, more employers are discovering the value veterans bring to their workforce," said Governor Paul R. LePage, in a news release. "Ann and I fully support this successful initiative, and look forward to helping make this year's effort reach more employers and get more veterans good paying careers in our state. Whether you are a veteran or an employer, we urge you to connect with this campaign to help us meet Maine's workforce needs. Veterans' skills include teamwork, leadership, technology, and tremendous discipline that can benefit all of our businesses."

A network of state and federal agencies, resources and nonprofits work together to provide employers education on military language and culture, recruiting and hiring assistance, and recognition for the hiring and advancement of veterans and military family members. Employers that want to join the 2018 Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign can contact Steven Roy, Campaign Coordinator, at 207-624-5156 or MaineHireAVet.DOL@maine.gov with questions. TTY users call Maine Relay 711.

The campaign has connected more than 300 employers with over 700 veteran-hires since its inception in 2015, and has been recognized as a best practice by the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) and the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA). Partners include Maine Department of Labor and its CareerCenters, Boots2Roots, Easter Seals and their Veterans Count program, Employment Support Program, Live + Work in Maine, Maine Bureau of Veterans Services, Transition Assistance Advisors, VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, Veterans, Inc., and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment. Learn more at https://www.mainecareercenter.gov/hireavet.shtml, and follow the campaign on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mainehireavet .

Veterans, military family members and civilians seeking assistance in job search and training are encouraged to contact their closest Maine CareerCenter, which can be found online at https://www.mainecareercenter.gov/locations . Veterans Representatives and Career Counselors are available at each location.

Maine Department of Labor and Maine CareerCenters are equal opportunity providers. Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request.