Hire-A-Vet Campaign Offers Employers Veteran Recruitment, Retention Training

November 8, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 8, 2018

Media Contacts: Laura Hudson, Maine Department of Labor, 207-621-5009

AUGUSTA -- Maine's Hire-A-Vet Campaign is offering businesses attendance at Military Culture 202, a no-cost training seminar to help employers recruit and retain Veterans to their workforce. A panel of employers, including representatives from Northern Light Health (formerly Eastern Maine Health System), State of Maine Office of Information Technology and Department of Corrections and others will participate, moderated by Randy Liberty, Warden, Maine State Prison. Sessions are available on November 27, 1 to 4 p.m. at USM Wishcamper Center, Room 133, 34 Bedford St. in Portland, and December 6, 2018, 1 to 4 p.m., at Maine Army National Guard, Regional Training Institute, 289 Hildreth St. in Bangor. Seating is limited and registration is required. Employers can register at https://www.mainecareercenter.gov/hireavet.shtml .

"Through the Hire-A-Vet campaign, more employers are discovering the value veterans bring to their workforce," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "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."

Military Culture 202 explores the recruiting and retention of Veterans, including the big picture; misconceptions; importance of structure, mission and purpose; utilizing leadership skills and experience; educational advantages; and communication. Chaplain/Col. Andrew Gibson, Director of Deployment Cycle Support, Maine Army National Guard is the instructor. Completion of Military Culture 101 is not mandatory to attend Military Culture 202. A brief review of Military Culture 101 will start off the seminar.

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, available at https://www.mainecareercenter.gov . 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.

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