Veterans Employment Conference Celebrates 50-Year Milestone in North Carolina
This week, Cherokee, North Carolina, became the epicenter of discussions on veteran employment as the North Carolina Department of Commerce celebrated the 50th annual Veterans Employment Services Training Conference. The event focused on professional development for NCWorks Veterans Services team members and highlighted important collaborations aimed at enhancing job opportunities for veterans.
Governor Josh Stein emphasized the unique challenges faced by veterans transitioning to civilian life and the importance of connecting them with employment opportunities. “North Carolina’s businesses need the skills our talented and hardworking veterans have to offer, and our state is enriched by their contributions to our workforce. I am grateful for their service and remain committed to serving North Carolina’s veterans,” Stein expressed.
Lee Lilley, N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary, reflected on the conference’s anniversary, stating, “As we commemorate the 50th Veterans Employment Services Training Conference, we honor the unwavering commitment of our veterans and reaffirm North Carolina’s dedication to supporting them.” He praised the NCWorks Veterans Services professionals, who are veterans themselves, for their pivotal roles in connecting veterans with meaningful job opportunities.
The conference addressed topics such as mental health, reentry, the application of emerging technologies, careers in agriculture, and serving Native American veterans. It also focused on enhancing collaborations with other veterans programs. The event underscored the significant partnership between the North Carolina Department of Commerce and organizations like the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans Employment & Training Service (VETS).
Chief Deputy Secretary Jordan Whichard expressed appreciation for the dedication of career center staff, stating, “We salute our dedicated veterans representatives, based at NCWorks Career Centers across North Carolina, who support veterans every day through individualized career services and making connections to employers and other partners.”
The conference also recognized outstanding contributions by several NCWorks Career Center professionals. Awards like the DAV Chapter 45 Award and the Innovation Award were presented to individuals demonstrating exceptional support and creativity in serving veterans. Awardees included Rory Springs, Zachary Branch, Andrew Holland, Saul McCloyen, and others who have made significant impacts in their communities.
Since its inception in 1933 under the Wagner-Peyser Act, federally funded veterans’ employment services have played a crucial role in supporting veterans. The program grew significantly in the 1970s and has evolved to include the annual veterans employment training conferences initiated in North Carolina in 1975.
For veterans, transitioning service-members, and military spouses seeking assistance, the NCWorks Career Centers provide vital resources and support. Detailed information about available programs and services can be accessed through the NCWorks website and the NCWorks Veterans Portal at veterans.ncworks.gov.
The Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) supports NCWorks Veterans Services through the Jobs for Veterans State Grant, which funds various initiatives to aid veteran employment in North Carolina.
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