2021 Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign Kick-Off Event and State's Largest Hiring Fair to be Held August 26

August 5, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 5, 2021

2021 Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign Kick-Off Event and State's Largest Hiring Fair to be Held August 26

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

AUGUSTA - Maines annual Hire-A-Vet campaign - https://www.mainecareercenter.com/mhav/ , a statewide effort to commit at least 100 employers to hire at least 100 veterans and military family members during a 100-day period, is kicking off with an in-person hiring fair from noon to 4 p.m. on August 26 at the Augusta Civic Center, 76 Civic Center Drive.

Preceding the hiring fair, at 10 a.m., there will be a "Kickoff Opening Ceremony" featuring guest speakers such as MDOL Commissioner Laura Fortman.

The campaign is expecting to feature over 100 hiring employers and resource providers at the kickoff event, which is open to all job seekers, not just veterans.

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 is one tool we use to connect veterans with employers, and employers with the skilled workforce they are looking for. I encourage any veteran, or military spouse, searching for their next job, or an employer searching for their next employee, to consider participating in this years campaign, which will feature both in-person and virtual events.

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 sign up to participate, and get more information, here: https://www.mainecareercenter.com/mhav/ . Employer registrations are due by August 20 in order to ensure space.

This years campaign will feature both in-person and virtual hiring events. The kickoff event will conform to current CDC COVID-19 guidance as of the day of the event.

During the entirely virtual 2020 Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign - https://www.maine.gov/labor/news_events/article.shtml?id=4351630 , 226 employers participated, and 145 veterans and military family members were hired.

Since 2015, the Maine Department of Labor-Bureau of Employment Services Veterans Team, along with key partners, has been proud to facilitate the connection of 1,500 veteran jobseekers with over 900 great Maine employers! It has also been recognized as a best practice by the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) and the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA). During this time, average wages have increased from $17.43 per hour in 2015 to $23.92 per hour in 2020.

The Maine Hire A Vet Campaign is a partnership between the Maine Department of Labor and its CareerCenters, Destination Occupation, Maine Bureau of Veterans Services, National Guard Employment Support Program, and the Augusta Civic Center. Learn more at https://www.mainecareercenter.gov/hireavet.shtml, and follow the campaign on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mainehireavet

The 2021 Hire A Vet Campaign is made possible by the following: Bath Iron Works, Maine Department of Corrections, Maine Bureau of Veterans Services, Evergreen Home Performance, Moodys Collision Centers, Hancock Lumber, Reed & Reed, Northern Light Health, Destination Occupation.

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.