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MAINE DEPARTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL
AND FINANCIAL REGULATION

35 SHS, Augusta, Maine 04333

 
Phone: (207) 624-8500
Fax: (207) 624-8690
TTY: Please Call Maine Relay 711

In Advance of Veterans Job Fair in Augusta, Governor and State Agency Highlight Initiative to Make Occupational Licensing Easier for Veterans

 

March 19, 2013

 

 

In advance of a major job fair for veterans and others in Augusta, Governor Paul R. LePage and Commissioner Anne Head are highlighting an initiative at the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (DPFR) to make occupational licensing in several professions quicker and easier for veterans with relevant military training and experience.

Governor LePage and Commissioner Head are also encouraging veterans, members of the National Guard and the Reserves, and others seeking employment to attend the ?Hiring Maine?s Heroes Job Fair? tomorrow, March 20th, at the Augusta Armory. It will feature special programs and information about employment opportunities. DPFR will staff a booth to provide details about the Department?s ongoing effort to assist veterans in applying military experience toward occupational licensing. The job fair will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Augusta Armory, 179 Western Avenue. The event is co-sponsored by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and the Augusta CareerCenter.

The Governor has made it a priority to help Maine?s veterans--encouraging state agencies to provide assistance to those who served our nation in the military. One such effort by the Governor and DPFR has been the implementation of Public Law Chapter 603, signed by the Governor last year. The law is intended to ensure that veterans are given full credit for applicable military training and experience when they apply for an occupational license from the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation at DPFR.

?The people of Maine owe a debt of gratitude to those who have served,? Governor LePage said. ?We have an obligation to recognize their knowledge and skills whenever possible and appropriate, and our economy needs their contributions. I?m pleased to have worked with the Department and Legislature to make licensing easier for qualified veterans.?

More information can be obtained by calling DFPR at 207-624-8678. Veterans are encouraged to contact DFPR before applying. Military documentation that may be needed includes:

-- Copy of a DD Form 214, Report of Discharge; and

-- Copy of DD Form 2586, Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET).

?The Department is committed to working with Maine veterans to make sure their skills and talents are fully evaluated and appreciated,? Commissioner Head noted. ?Whenever we can give veterans credit toward licensing requirements, based on their military experience, we intend to do so. It?s in the best interest of veterans, our business community, and consumers seeking the services of electricians, plumbers and other professionals.?