November program encourages hiring of returning vets -- Career Center Blog

November 7, 2011

November program encourages hiring of returning vets

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By Randy Woods
NWjobs

Last month, President Obama made the announcement that the nearly 40,000 non-combat security forces of Operation Iraqi Freedom will be coming home by the end of this year, effectively ending the nine-year misadventure in Iraq that cost nearly 4,500 American lives. While this is undoubtedly good news for the soldiers and families that have sacrificed so much, the employment picture these brave men and women and returning to is nothing to celebrate as Veterans Day approaches.

On first glance, the news looks promising. The latest unemployment figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showed that just enough companies are hiring to reduce the national unemployment rate from 9.1 percent to an even 9 percent for the month of October. Also, the number of unemployment claims has dropped in recent weeks, indicating that many employers are slowing down their rate of layoffs and may show signs of hiring again.

The statistics for returning veterans, however, show just the opposite. According to the BLS numbers, the unemployment rate for military veterans who have left active duty since 2001 rose from 9.8 percent nationally in August of this year to 12.1 percent in October. The draw-down from Iraq has already brought home more than 100,000 military personnel into the civilian workforce in the last few years, so the surge from the remaining 40,000 veterans over the next two months will only add more pressure to the system.

While Congress has introduced federal legislation to provide incentives for employers who hire returning vets, Washington state has launched its own program to ensure that veterans find work in the region. Gov. Christine Gregoire has proclaimed November "Hire-A-Vet" month to remind employers of the enormous pool of workers with technical military training who are seeking civilian employment.

Also, working with all 18 military bases across the state, WorkSource has developed a series of vet-centric job fairs, "boot camps" on job-search techniques and classes on how to translate military skills into the private sector. WorkSource also has programs to help employers recruit and screen for qualified veterans, apply for employment tax breaks and qualify for subsidized employee training.

The events are focused not just on newly released veterans but former service members of all ages, including elderly vets who have been forced to re-enter the workforce due to the recession. In the last 12 months, WorkSource has helped place more than 14,000 returning vets into civilian jobs.

Some of the upcoming veteran-specific job fairs being held around the state in honor of Hire-A-Vet month include:

Tues., Nov. 8 at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Marysville

Thurs., Nov. 10 at the Kitsap Conference Center in Bremerton and the Yakima National Guard Armory

Wed., Nov. 16 at the Bellingham Armory.

Thurs., Nov. 17 at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Vancouver, Wash.

To view the entire list of WorkSource employment events, please visit their Job Fair calendar link. Employers who are looking to hire veterans can call toll-free at 877-453-5906 to connect with veterans who fit their required skill sets. More information can also be found at the Washington State Department of Veteran Affairs.

As we honor the service of our Armed Forces for Veterans Day this coming Friday, just remember that those who have stepped up to defend and serve our nation deserve a helping hand as they resume their lives in civilian society. Stepping up for them is the least we can do.

Randy Woods writes about job-search tools, networking techniques and other tips to help you land your dream job.