Today we take the time to honor the sacrifice and service of United States veterans, including the over 100,000 veterans living and working here in Maine – of which I am one. At the Maine Department of Labor, many of our staff know firsthand what it means to serve our country and have been using their military experience to continue to serve their communities every day, and I need your help to make even more of an impact.

At our Maine CareerCenters, located throughout the state to connect employers and job seekers, we have a specific division dedicated to working with veterans and their families. All of our veterans representatives are veterans themselves, and understand the challenges faced by veterans and their spouses, as well as the programs and resources available to smooth the transition to civilian careers.

We assist veterans in preparing to be work-ready, enrolling in workforce training that aligns with their interests, creating a resume and cover letter and preparing to demonstrate their transferrable skills during the interview process.

We conduct outreach efforts to meet veterans where they are, including at universities and colleges, county jails and state prisons and local military service organizations such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Veterans representatives also work closely with local employers and help connect them to the skilled workers they need to thrive.

The department is currently looking to hire more veterans for these roles. This is a great opportunity for veterans to work with other veterans, and military members making the transition to civilian life and their families. There are multiple opportunities available in southern Maine to become part of a team of professionals dedicated to serving Maine’s veterans. To learn more about these great roles, visit mainecareercenter.com/employment/veterans.shtml. Don’t delay, as resumes are being accepted until Nov. 13, 2024.

If looking for a different type of occupation, veterans representatives provide resources and expertise to assist and prepare veterans to obtain meaningful careers and maximize their employment opportunities. I highly encourage veterans who are looking to take the next step in their career to connect with a local veterans representative at one of the CareerCenters.

Specialized services for veterans include the annual Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign – an incredibly successful partnership to connect veterans, their families and other job-seeking Mainers with their employment goals. Recognized nationally as a best practice, the campaign has connected more than 1,800 employers with over 2,000 veteran hires since its inception in 2015.

There are 16 days left in this year’s campaign, and the final event will be taking place on Nov. 22 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at York County Community College. I hope you will join us and learn more about the opportunities available.

While the campaign gives us the ability to really focus on veteran hiring through the fall, we have specific staff and resources focused on veterans year-round. Our goal every day is to help connect veterans and job seekers to the careers they deserve and need in order to support themselves and their families, as well as connect employers with the skilled workers they need for their businesses to thrive.

If you are an employer looking to hire veterans, or a job seeker looking to take the next step in your career, please connect with one of the Maine CareerCenters located throughout the state. Services are offered in person, by phone and online. You can call the CareerCenter hotline, 207-623-7981, email MaineDOL.CareerCenter@maine.gov, or visit in person.

Veterans, thank you for your service. I hope to see you soon at an event, at your local CareerCenter, or even as a new addition to our team.