In preparation for the annual observance of Veterans Day on Monday, November 11, Governor Pat McCrory and Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced today that November 10-16 is “Employ A Veteran” Week in North Carolina. More than 769,000 veterans reside in every county in North Carolina and as many as 50,000 of those are actively looking for work at any given time.
“Veterans bring skills, experience and a strong work ethic to the available labor pool in North Carolina,” said Governor McCrory. “We’re committed to helping connect these men and women who have served our country with companies in North Carolina who want a skilled, dependable workforce.”
The “Employ A Veteran” campaign, with support from the Division of Workforce Solutions (DWS) offices across the state, is designed to raise awareness about hiring veterans. Activities will include radio PSAs, a schedule of local job fairs and veteran employment events, as well as information on other employment programs and services specifically geared toward veterans.
“More than 21,000 men and women will join the ranks of veterans annually as they complete their military service in North Carolina,” said Secretary Decker. “We want those veterans to stay here where they’ve put down roots, and we want to be able to provide jobs for those looking to join the private labor force.”
In addition to Employ A Veteran Week, the N.C. Department of Commerce is involved in a number of efforts to assist veterans with employment, including:
The UCX Initiative is a two-year federal grant to develop strategies for enhanced outreach to veterans receiving unemployment benefits, specifically Army, Army Reserve and National Guard. Since March 2013, over 4,000 veterans have been contacted, encouraging them to visit field offices for re-employment/transition assistance.
Assistance includes job referrals, job development contacts and re-employment services.
Several other projects are also underway to assist with transition from military toward civilian employment sector.
The DWS Veterans program ranks as one of the best in the nation. Highlights from July 1,2012 – June 30, 2013 include:
?53,487 veterans registered for employment assistance
?49,152 veterans received some type of direct service
?28,486 veterans were referred to one or more jobs
?312 veterans were enrolled in a training program
?3,761 veterans were placed in a job
?251 disabled vets found employment using DWS services
Stand Downs for Homeless Veterans and Job Fairs/Employment Workshops are scheduled in communities across North Carolina during November and December. These are being held in partnership with the Veterans Administration and local civic and community organizations.
More information on employment services for veterans can be found on the NC Commerce website at: http://www.nccommerce.com/workforce/job-seekers/veterans.