WILLIAMSBURG — A new statewide hiring campaign aims to connect veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses with employers as Virginia marks National Hire a Veteran Day.
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services, Virginia Works and workforce partners on Friday launched Mission to Hire: Virginia 100 Veteran Hiring Pledge, a statewide initiative seeking commitments from 100 employers to hire at least one veteran, service member preparing to leave the military or military spouse during the campaign.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger recognized July 25 as National Hire a Veteran Day in Virginia, highlighting the state’s efforts to recruit veterans and military spouses into careers in technology, logistics, health care, skilled trades and other industries.
“Virginia serves as home to one of the largest populations of veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses in the nation. They bring unmatched leadership, discipline, and technical expertise to the workforce,” Virginia Department of Veterans Services Commissioner John Maxwell said.
Virginia Works Commissioner Nicole Overley said hiring veterans benefits both employers and the state’s workforce.
“By connecting this proven talent with businesses across the Commonwealth, we’re helping employers strengthen their teams while giving our military community the opportunities they’ve earned and the support they need,” Overley said.
The new hiring pledge builds on existing state programs that offer career coaching, resume assistance, job fairs, networking opportunities, professional licensing support and help translating military training into civilian careers. The campaign is led by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services in partnership with Virginia Works, the Hampton Roads Workforce Council and workforce organizations across the state.
The state also recently launched a veterans employment portal at virginiahasjobs.com/veterans, which brings together job listings and employment resources for veterans and military spouses. A virtual veteran hiring event hosted by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services is scheduled for July 29 at 10 a.m.
Veterans in Williamsburg and the Historic Triangle can receive benefits and employment assistance through the Virginia Department of Veterans Services’ Williamsburg Benefits Office, 203 Ironbound Road. The office serves about 2,500 veterans per year in Williamsburg, James City County, York County, New Kent, Charles City County, Gloucester County and Fort Eustis.
