2023 Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign Continues with Portland Hiring Event October 19

October 19, 2023

For Immediate Release: October 10, 2023

2023 Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign Continues with Portland Hiring Event October 19

PORTLAND - Maine's annual Hire-A-Vet Campaign https://www.mainecareercenter.com/mhav/ , a statewide effort with the goal of at least 100 employers hiring at least 100 veterans and military family members during a 100-day period, is continuing on October 19 in Portland! The campaign is holding an in-person hiring fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on October 19 at The Point, 345 Clarks Pond Pkwy, South Portland. It is open to all jobseekers!

"Veterans receive valuable training during their military service that often transfers to in-demand civilian skills," said Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman. "As employers look to hire in this tight labor market, the Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign is one tool we use to connect veterans with the next step in their career. I encourage any veteran or military spouse searching for their next job to participate in this year's campaign, and all job seekers to check out the monthly events happening across the state."

The campaign kicked off with a hiring event in Augusta August 17, followed by an event in Bangor on September 21.

Upcoming events include:

• October 19, 2023 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at The Point, 345 Clarks Pond Pkwy, South Portland
• November 9, 2023 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Auburn Mall, 550 Center St., Auburn

The Maine Hire-A-Vet campaign provides support for employers to expand the hiring of veterans through a network of state and federal agencies, resources and nonprofits, education on military language and culture, recruiting and hiring assistance, and recognition for the hiring and advancement of veterans and military family members.

During the 2022 Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign, 209 employers participated, and 186 veterans and military family members were hired.

The campaign has connected over 1,200 employers with over 1,800 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). During this time, average wages have increased from $17.43 per hour in 2015 to $33.12 per hour in 2022.

The Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign is a partnership between the Maine Department of Labor and its CareerCenters, Destination Occupation, Maine Bureau of Veterans Services, and the Augusta Civic Center.

Veterans Representatives are also available year-round to help veterans with their careers, including through connection to job fairs, training, employers of interest, veteran services, and more! If interested, visit https://docareers.me/2023-hire-a-vet-program/ or email MaineHireAVet.DOL@maine.gov

Anyone 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.