2019 Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign Kick-Off Event and Hiring Fair to be held August 29 at Augusta Civic Center

August 29, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 17, 2019

Campaign/Hiring Fair Contact: Steven Roy, Campaign Coordinator, MaineHireAVet.DOL@maine.gov

Media Contact: Jessica Picard, Maine Department of Labor, 530-2065, or jessica.l.picard@maine.gov

The campaigns goal is for 100+ employers to hire 100+ veterans during 100 days.

AUGUSTA - Maine's annual Hire-A-Vet campaign is a statewide effort to commit at least 100 employers 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 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on August 29 at the Augusta Civic Center, 76 Civic Center Drive. Opening remarks will be followed by a hiring fair with more than 200 expected employers that are looking to recruit veterans, military members, and civilians. The event is open to the public. The 2019 campaign officially begins on Labor Day.

"Veterans have received valuable training during their military service that 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 are looking for. I encourage anyone searching for their next job, or their next employee, to consider participating in this years campaign.

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.

Employers can join the 2019 Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign, and/or register for free for the hiring event by contacting Steven Roy, Campaign Coordinator, at MaineHireAVet.DOL@maine.gov or visiting https://forms.gle/1XL5V4vP3w3UgLoo6.

During the 2018 Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign, 191 employers participated and 286 veterans and military family members were hired.

The campaign has connected nearly 500 employers with over 900 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 $23.05 in 2018.

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 Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, and State Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment. Learn more at www.mainecareercenter.gov/hireavet.shtml, and follow the campaign on Facebook at 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, which can be found online at www.mainecareercenter.gov/locations. Veterans Representatives and Career Counselors are available at each location.

The Maine Department of Labor and Maine CareerCenters are equal opportunity providers. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.