Veterans exploring career opportunities had the chance to connect with scores of employers looking to boost their workforces recently at the “Honor a Hero, Hire a Vet” job and resource fair in Los Angeles.
More than 375 veterans and other job seekers explored career opportunities with over 60 employers looking to hire qualified employees. Numerous government agencies, training programs, service organizations and schools also participated in the event, providing vets with information on their services and training opportunities.
Sponsored by the California Employment Development Department (EDD), today’s event at the Los Angeles Convention Center is part of a series of job fairs held throughout the state to help veterans successfully transition back into civilian life.
EDD Director Patrick W. Henning, Jr. attended the fair as well, talking with veterans, veteran representatives, and employers. “These young men and women have risked their lives to preserve our American way of life,” said Henning. “The least we can do is help them find a job so they can grab a piece of the American dream they helped protect. These job fairs are designed to do just that.”
Since their inception in 2008, the HAH-HAV job fairs – part of a Governor’s initiative – have linked more than 27,000 veterans with over 10,500 employers and resource agencies.
The continued success of the HAH-HAV job fairs stems from the fact that veterans bring unique work experiences that make them valued employees. They have traits highly valued by employers: a strong work ethic, pride in a job well done, and accomplishment of goals through teamwork.
Ninety-five percent of California veterans have high school diplomas and almost half have associate degrees or higher. Many veterans have mastered high-tech systems and advanced electronics during their tours of duty.
California is home to 1.8 million veterans, the most in the nation.
Younger veterans are particularly in need of assistance as they move into civilian life. In 2014, the unemployment rate for California veterans under the age of 35 was 13.7 percent, significantly higher than the 10.1 percent unemployment rate for civilians in the same age group.
Along with EDD, the California Department of Veterans Affairs is part of the HAH-HAV effort.
“The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) proudly supports EDD’s Honor a Hero, Hire a Vet events throughout the Golden State,” said CalVet Acting Secretary Debbie Endsley. “The job fairs allow us to engage veterans and their families about excellent employment opportunities at CalVet, as well as share information about state and federal benefits and services.”
The HAH-HAV job fairs, funded by $200,000 in federal Workforce Investment Act monies, combine public agencies and private companies in a joint effort to help returning soldiers secure a brighter future.
The multi-agency initiative brings together EDD, California Department of Veterans Affairs, California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, California Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Apprenticeship Standards, and California Community Colleges.
Rounding out the HAH-HAV effort are EDD’s veteran representatives, who meet with veterans to customize strategies that help them maximize their employment and training opportunities. EDD provides a variety of employment services for veterans, including: priority job referrals, personalized job search and training, vocational guidance, and veteran workshops.
EDD’s veteran representatives are located throughout the state and can be found at America’s Job Center of CaliforniaSM offices. Veterans are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a veteran representative for personalized employment services and career assistance. For appointments and information on EDD’s veterans’ employment services, office locations, and upcoming job fairs, vets can visit: www.edd.ca.gov/Jobs_and_Training/Services_for_Veterans.htm
