2022 Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign Kick-Off Event and State's Largest Hiring Fair to be Held August 18

August 8, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 8, 2022

2022 Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign Kick-Off Event and State's Largest Hiring Fair to be Held August 18

Over 200 employers and resource providers are participating in this year's campaign.

AUGUSTA - Maine's annual Hire-A-Vet Campaign, a statewide effort with the goal of at least 100 employers hiring at least 100 veterans and military family members during a 100-day period, is back! The campaign is kicking off with an in-person hiring fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on August 18 at the Augusta Civic Center, 76 Civic Center Drive.

Governor Janet Mills and other guest speakers will take part in an opening ceremony prior to the hiring fair, beginning at 10 a.m.

"My Administration is committed to doing all we can to support our veterans, including assisting them in finding work. When our friends and family members come home from serving on the frontlines, they deserve every opportunity to find rewarding careers that utilize their extensive skills, diverse experiences, and unique training in the civil sector," said Governor Janet Mills. "Whether you are a transitioning veteran returning to or choosing the state of Maine as your new home, or whether you are a long-time Maine resident, making a career change or reentering the workforce, our Hire-A-Vet campaign can help you on your job search."

The campaign is expecting to feature over 200 hiring employers and resource providers at the kickoff event, which is open to all job seekers, not just veterans!

"Veterans receive valuable training during their military service that often transfers to in-demand civilian skills," said Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman. "As employers look to hire in this tight labor market, the Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign is one tool we use to connect veterans with the next step in their career. I encourage any veteran or military spouse searching for their next job to participate in this year's campaign, and all job seekers to come check out who is hiring at this year's fair."

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. This year's campaign will feature both in-person and virtual hiring events.

Employers can still sign up to participate, and get more information, here: https://www.mainecareercenter.com/mhav/. Employer registrations are due by August 10th in order to ensure space.

During the 2021 Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign, 166 employers participated, and 217 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 nearly 1,700 veteran jobseekers with over 1,000 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 $24.12 per hour in 2021.

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, and the Augusta Civic Center.

Learn more at https://www.mainecareercenter.com/mhav/, and follow the campaign on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mainehireavet.

The 2022 Hire A Vet Campaign is made possible by the following: Bath Iron Works, Maine General Health, Maine Bureau of Veterans Services, Maine Department of Corrections, Elmet Technologies, Boots 2 Roots, Destination Occupation, Moodys Collision Centers, Northern Light Health, NRF Distributors, Sport Clips, Reed & Reed, and the City of Augusta.

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.