2020 Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign Kick-Off Event and Hiring Fair to be Held Virtually September 15

September 15, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 2, 2020

Campaign Co-Coordinators: Mark Cafiso and Leo Deon, MaineHireAVet.DOL@maine.gov

The campaign's goal is for 100+ employers to hire 100+ veterans during 100 days.

AUGUSTA - Maines annual Hire-A-Vet campaign is back! Hire-A-Vet is a statewide effort to reach at least 100 employers who have committed to hire at least 100 veterans and military family members during a 100-day period. A kick-off event and hiring fair is being held virtually from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on September 15. Opening remarks will be followed by a virtual hiring fair from 1-4 p.m. with more than 200 expected employers looking to recruit veterans, military members, and civilians.

"The valuable training that veterans have received during their military service can transfer to in-demand civilian skills," said Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman. The Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign helps connect veterans with employers, and employers with the skilled workforce they need. I encourage anyone searching for their next job, or their next employee, to consider participating in this years campaign.

Employers can join the 2020 Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign and job seekers can get more information and register for the kick-off event by visiting: https://www.mainecareercenter.com/mhav/

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 2019 Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign, 254 employers participated, and 283 veterans and military family members were hired.

The Campaign has connected nearly 1,000 employers with just over 1,300 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). The average wage for veteran hires was $17.43 in 2015 and increased to $22.78 in 2019.

The Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign is a partnership between the Maine Department of Labor and its CareerCenters, Boots2Roots, Easter Seals and their Veterans Count program, the Maine National Guard Employment Support Program, Maine Bureau of Veterans Services, Transition Assistance Advisors, VA Veteran Readiness and Employment, State Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment and business contributors including Destination Occupation, Northern Light Health and Military Talent Source. To date, 2020 Sponsors of the Campaign include: GOLD Sponsors - Bath Iron Works/General Dynamics and Veterans Education and Transition Services; SILVER sponsors Destination Occupation, Northern Light Health, Maine Bureau of Veterans Services and Maine Department of Corrections, Bronze Sponsors Hancock Lumber and Reed & Reed.

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.

Follow the campaign on their website at: https://www.mainecareercenter.gov/mhav/ or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mainehireavet The Maine Department of Labor and Maine CareerCenters are equal opportunity providers. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.