North Carolina Champions Veteran Employment Through HIRE Vets Medallion Awards
North Carolina is making strides in veteran employment, with state officials advocating for businesses to recognize the skills and experiences of veterans. Governor Josh Stein, along with North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, is urging employers to apply for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award, a prestigious honor from the U.S. Department of Labor that acknowledges dedication to hiring and supporting veterans.
The application window for this award extends until April 30, 2025.
Governor Stein emphasized, “North Carolina is home to approximately 700,000 veterans, who bring great skills and experience to our state’s workforce. The HIRE Vets program recognizes companies for their support for our nation’s heroes, cementing North Carolina’s position as the most military-friendly state.”
The HIRE Vets Medallion Award stands out as the sole federal recognition for companies that excel in veteran employment, focusing on hiring, retaining, and providing professional growth for veterans. In 2024, 28 employers from North Carolina received this distinguished award.
To assist veterans in finding employment, the North Carolina Department of Commerce has developed an innovative online tool that lists employers who have earned the HIRE Vets medallion on the state’s NCWorks Veterans Portal. This resource simplifies the job search process for veterans by highlighting opportunities at recognized firms.
“North Carolina’s military community is one of our state’s strategic assets, and we applaud the many employers who recognize the talent, value and unique perspective that our veterans provide,” stated Lee Lilley, Secretary of Commerce. He highlighted the role of companies in easing the transition from military to civilian life by offering meaningful jobs and honoring military service.
Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette of the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs echoed this sentiment: “Veterans and their families enrich North Carolina communities and provide a ready and skilled workforce that is second to none. Transitioning from active-duty military to Veteran status is easier when Veterans and employers engage and connect.”
The HIRE Vets Medallion Award assesses applicants based on various criteria, including hiring practices, retention rates, and available support resources tailored to veterans. The program charges application fees—$495 for large companies, $190 for medium-sized businesses, and $90 for small enterprises—to fund the HIRE Vets Act.
Among the recognized organizations is Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministries (ABCCM). Jessica Rice, Managing Director for Veterans Services of the Carolinas, stated, “At ABCCM Veterans Services of the Carolinas, we are deeply committed to empowering and supporting our nation’s Veterans as they transition into meaningful careers.”
The Department of Commerce collaborates with the U.S. Department of Labor to employ 50 NCWorks Veterans Services professionals, all veterans themselves, who assist in securing employment and training for fellow veterans. These professionals operate from various NCWorks Career Centers across the state, partnering with organizations like North Carolina For Military Employment (NC4ME) to host hiring events.
To explore the HIRE Vets Medallion Award Program further, visit www.HireVets.gov. For additional support, veterans and employers can connect with NCWorks Career Centers, whose contact details are available at www.NCWorks.gov.
NCWorks Veterans Services receive funding from the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) of the U.S. Department of Labor, under an award totaling $5,703,016 to North Carolina, with no contributions from non-government sources.
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