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Raleigh -- March 24, 2022 Governor Roy Cooper and Secretary of the North Carolina Department
of Commerce Machelle Baker Sanders are urging firms in North Carolina to recruit veterans and apply
for an HIRE Vets Medallion Award, which is an official program of the United States Department of Labor.
The deadline for applications is April 30, 2022.
Governor Roy Cooper said, " North Carolina is America’s most military-friendly state, and the HIRE Vets program is one way for companies to signal their strong support for our nation’s heroes,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “Veterans add value to the businesses that employ them, while also enriching our communities.”
These are the only federally recognized awards for veteran employment that honor an organization's dedication to veteran recruiting, retention, and professional development. HIRE Vets Medallion Awards were given to 22 firms in North Carolina in 2021.
The North Carolina Department of Commerce will launch a first-in-the-nation online feature in 2020 and 2021 that will highlight North Carolina employers who have received the HIRE Vets medallion award on the state's job search portal and the NCWorks Veterans Portal, both of which can be found at veterans.ncworks.gov. This application makes it easier for veterans to identify employment that are currently being advertised by well-known companies. The North Carolina Division of Workforce Solutions was recognized by the US Department of Labor for their creative efforts.
In today’s tight labor market, it is more important than ever for employers to actively recruit military veterans, and to recognize the unique combination of skills and experience that they can bring as employees,” said N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “The HIRE Vets program provides an opportunity for North Carolina employers to be honored for valuing our veterans, and this recognition can give businesses a leg up in attracting military talent.”
The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is based on a number of criteria, including veteran hiring and retention, leadership programming, specialized human resources, and salary and tuition assistance programs — with different standards for large, medium, and small businesses. The HIRE Vets Medallion Program has an application fee, which is intended to cover the costs of enforcing the HIRE Vets Act. The charge for large employers is $495 per applicant, $90 per applicant for medium employers, and $90 per applicant for small employers.
The Eastern Carolina Vocational Center (ECVC), a private nonprofit business situated in Pitt County, is one of many North Carolina employers who have previously been recognized by the program.
“ECVC was honored to receive the Gold-level HIRE Vets Medallion Award in 2019, 2020 and 2021, and this year, we will try to make it four in a row,” said Darone Dancy, Vice President of Workforce Operations for ECVC, and a U.S. Navy veteran. “This award is very meaningful to us, because we value the qualities that veterans bring to their roles as members of our team. We are proud to support veterans by proactively recruiting them and advancing them in their post-service careers.”
In today’s tight labor market, it is more important than ever for employers to actively recruit military veterans, and to recognize the unique combination of skills and experience that they can bring as employees,” said N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “The HIRE Vets program provides an opportunity for North Carolina employers to be honored for valuing our veterans, and this recognition can give businesses a leg up in attracting military talent.”
Governor Cooper urged North Carolina businesses to "Honor Veterans by Hiring Veterans" last autumn in collaboration with the N.C. Department of Military and Veteran Affairs and the N.C. Department of Commerce. The administration's commitment to aiding North Carolina's veteran community is reaffirmed by the state's participation in the HIRE Vets Medallion Award Program."
NC Governor's Office: Last fall in partnership with the N.C. Department of Military and Veteran Affairs and the N.C. Department of Commerce, Governor Cooper challenged North Carolina businesses to “Honor Veterans by Hiring Veterans.” The state’s participation in the HIRE Vets Medallion Award Program reaffirms the Administration’s commitment to supporting North Carolina’s veteran population.
The N.C. Department of Commerce works in close partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor and employs 70 NCWorks Veterans Services professionals (all of whom are veterans themselves). These professionals, located at NCWorks Career Centers across the state, help connect veterans to employers, as well as to training opportunities. The department also partners with North Carolina For Military Employment (NC4ME) on special hiring events. The state’s “First in Talent” strategic economic development plan calls for expanding such efforts.
To learn more and apply for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award Program, go to www.HireVets.gov. www.hirevets.gov
Employers and veterans may also visit or contact an NCWorks Career Center for assistance. Contact information for each career center is found at www.ncworks.gov
The North Carolina Department of Commerce collaborates closely with the United States Department of Labor, employing 70 NCWorks Veterans Services professionals (all of whom are veterans themselves). These specialists, who work out of NCWorks Career Centers across the state, assist veterans in connecting with companies and training options. On major hiring events, the department collaborates with North Carolina For Military Employment (NC4ME). The state's strategic economic development plan, "First in Talent," advocates for extending such activities.
Wnctimes by Marjorie Farrington
