Open to All Job Seekers: Maine's Largest Hiring Fair part of Hire-A-Vet Kick-Off, Aug 30 at Augusta Civic Center Hundreds of employers, thousands of job opportunities from all around Maine.

August 28, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 28, 2018

Employers' Campaign Contact: Steven Roy, Campaign Coordinator, MaineHireAVet.DOL@maine.gov

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

AUGUSTA -- More than 270 employers and a dozen resource providers are packing the Augusta Civic Center on Thursday, August 30 for the annual Maine Hire-A-Vet campaign kick-off event and Maine's largest hiring fair. Presentation of colors and guest speakers begin at 12:30 p.m., followed by the hiring fair from 1 to 4 p.m. Guest speakers include Maj. Gen. Douglas A. Farnham, Adjutant General, Maine National Guard; Labor Commissioner John Butera; and Jonathan Mason, Director of Human Resources at Bath Iron Works. The event is open to all job seekers.

"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."

The event, sponsored by Spectrum and Destination Occupation, hosts 286 total exhibitors from around Maine that want to meet all job seekers -- veterans, military family members and civilians. Opportunities include entry-level to professional, and sectors such as science, technology and engineering; health care and human services; sales and customer service; construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding and skilled trades; business services, information technology and financial services; transportation; retail, seasonal and hospitality; state, municipal and federal government; and many more. A complete list of exhibitors is available at http://www.mainecareercenter.gov/locations/jobfair.shtml?id=799500 .

Job seekers are encouraged to research companies and their job openings prior to the event and to visit their closest Maine CareerCenter for no-cost assistance with their job search, resume writing, and interview skills. Visit http://www.mainecareercenter.gov .

Veterans traveling 40 miles or more for an interview or job fair may be eligible for free overnight accommodations through the Hilton Honors Program. To learn more, contact John Wagner at John.W.Wagner@maine.gov .

About Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign

Maine 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. The campaign provides support for employers to expand the hiring of veterans that includes 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 that pledge to join the campaign are not required to hire veterans they interview to participate. The 2018 campaign officially begins on Labor Day.

Employers can join the 2018 Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign by contacting Steven Roy, Campaign Coordinator, at MaineHireAVet.DOL@maine.gov or 207-624-5156 (TTY: Relay 711).

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).

The Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign is co-sponsored by 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.

Visit http://www.mainecareercenter.gov/hireavet.shtml and http://www.facebook.com/mainehireavet to learn more about the campaign.

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

• end -