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 17 at the Augusta Civic Center. It will be followed by monthly in-person hiring events throughout the campaign.
Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman and other guest speakers will take part in an opening ceremony prior to the kickoff hiring fair, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The campaign is expecting to feature over 100 hiring employers and resource providers at the event, which is open to all job seekers!
“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.”
“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 check out the monthly events happening across the state.”
This year’s campaign will feature multiple in-person hiring events:
- August 17, 2023 from 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Augusta Civic Center, 76 Community Drive, Augusta (Employer registration deadline: August 11, 2023)
- September 21, 2023 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Eastern Maine Community College, 354 Hogan Road, Bangor (Employer registration deadline: September 15, 2023)
- October 19, 2023 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at The Point, 345 Clarks Pond Pkwy, South Portland (Employer registration is at capacity)
- November 9, 2023 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Auburn Mall, 550 Center St., Auburn (Employer registration deadline: October 1, 2023)
Employers can sign up to participate, at no cost, and get more information at https://www.mainecareercenter.com/mhav/
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.
During the 2022 Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign, 209 employers participated, and 186 veterans and military family members were hired.
The campaign has connected over 1,200 employers with over 1,800 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). During this time, average wages have increased from $17.43 per hour in 2015 to $33.12 per hour in 2022.
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.
Veterans Representatives are also available year-round to help veterans with their careers, including through connection to job fairs, training, employers of interest, veteran services, and more! If interested, visit https://docareers.me/2023-hire-a-vet-program/ or email MaineHireAVet.DOL@maine.gov
Anyone 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.
