CHEYENNE, WY – The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) is honored to celebrate National Hire A Vet Day. Marine Corps Veteran Dan Caporale established this day of recognition in 2017 to encourage employers to hire veterans and raise awareness about the unique skills veterans bring to the civilian workforce. The state-level Wyoming Employers Hire Vets (W.E. Hire Vets) and the federal HIRE Vets Medallion Program, support and underscore the importance of veteran employment.
Encouraging Employers to Hire Veterans
As service members move from military to civilian life through separation or retirement, many may look for new careers to utilize their skills in the civilian workforce. Competing for a civilian job can initially be intimidating, but initiatives like National Hire A Veteran Day raise awareness and encourage employers to take action. National Hire A Veteran Day emphasizes the importance of employment opportunities for veterans, distinguishing it from other holidays focused on honoring veterans
How Can Businesses Get Involved?
Participating in the W.E. Hire Vets program is simple:
- Hire a Veteran: Ensure you have at least one veteran on your team.
- Complete the Online Form: Fill out the DWS application form.
- Receive Your Recognition Package: Upon approval, get a window sticker and digital materials to showcase your commitment.
Businesses with multiple locations can apply for stickers at each site where veterans are employed.
Annual Awards
Each year, DWS recognizes small, medium, and large businesses for their dedication to veteran employment. Criteria align with the prestigious HIRE Vets Medallion gold award standards. Companies are encouraged to share their efforts to support veteran spouses as well.
Wyoming is home to approximately 47,000 veterans aged 18 and older. In 2023, some 23,000 Wyoming veterans were employed as part of the civilian labor force. DWS urges Wyoming companies of all sizes to participate and apply for recognition in both programs. These employers set a standard for others by prioritizing and fostering successful veteran hiring and retention. They send a strong message to veterans across Wyoming that they are dedicated to supporting our nation’s heroes.
Hiring Resources for Veterans
Veterans seeking jobs can explore various resources:
- Apprenticeships: Use the Department of Labor’s apprenticeship.gov tool;
- Career Matching: Match military skills to civilian jobs with Career OneStop;
- Federal Jobs: Search federal opportunities on USA Jobs;
- VA Careers: Explore roles at the VA on VA Careers;
- Security Clearance Jobs: Find opportunities on Clearance Jobs;
- Veteran-Friendly Employers: Check out Veteran.com’s list of supportive employers; or
Visit your local Workforce Center and ask for veteran services that are available to assist with employment, training, vocational rehabilitation and more!