February 8, 2018

More than 295 Veterans, Military Family Members Hired through annual Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign

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

AUGUSTA?Employers participating in 2017's Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign hired 296 veterans and military family members during its 100-day initiative. One-hundred-and-fifty-four employers from all 16 Maine counties participated in the campaign, with an average placement wage reported of $23.16 per hour. The campaign launched last Labor Day and ended December 13, 2017. Final numbers were collected into January due to the length of hiring processes for those who applied within the 100-day period.

?Maine's Hire-A Vet campaign continues to successfully educate employers about the value veterans bring to our workforce,? said Governor Paul R. LePage. ?Ann and I fully support Hire-A-Vet. We want our veterans and military families who have given so much to our nation to return home to good-paying careers that appreciate the skills developed by service in the Armed Forces.?

The campaign provides support for employers to expand the hiring of veterans, including a network of state and federal agencies, resources and nonprofits, education on military language and culture, assistance with recruiting, hiring, assimilation and retention, and recognition for the hiring and advancement of veterans. The 2017 campaign's numbers were an increase over the 2016 campaign by six participating employers (148 in 2016), 101 hires (195 in 2016), and reported wages of plus $0.93 per hour ($22.23 in 2016).

Of the 296 total hires, 275 were veterans and 21 were military family members. Women veteran hires were 52 of the 275 reported (roughly 20 percent). Female veterans make up 10 percent of Maine's total veteran population. Participating employers were not required to hire veterans or military family members they interviewed in order to be a part of the campaign.

Veterans? employment representatives available throughout Maine CareerCenters can visit employers to assist them in finding qualified veterans and provide information on the benefits of hiring veterans. Employers or veterans can contact the Maine Department of Labor's Veterans? Program Manager Auta Main at (207) 623-7975 or auta.m.main@maine.gov for more information or contact their closest Maine CareerCenter. Services offered to veterans through Maine CareerCenters are also available to their military family members at no cost. A list of CareerCenters is available at www.mainecareercenter.gov. The Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign is co-sponsored by Maine Department of Labor and its CareerCenters, Maine Bureau of Veterans Services, Boots2Roots, Easter Seals and its Veterans Count program, Live+Work in Maine, Transition Assistance Advisors, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) - Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E), VA Office of Rural Health, and Veterans Inc. All partners focused on recruiting both veterans, military family members, and employers.

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