2023 Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign Continues with Auburn Hiring Event November 9

November 1, 2023

For Immediate Release: November 1, 2023

2023 Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign Continues with Auburn Hiring Event November 9

Campaign is already halfway to goal of 100 hires!

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 November 9 in Auburn! The campaign is holding its final in-person hiring fair of this year's campaign from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on November 9 at the Auburn Mall, 550 Center St., Auburn.

There will be about 60 employers at the event, which is open to all job seekers!

"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 events in Bangor and Portland. While most hires are not reported until the end of the campaign, about 50 veteran hires have been reported by participating employers so far!

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, Sport Clips, and various venues statewide.

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.