Patrick Administration to collaborate with regional workforce partners on series of events, career fairs, and training sessions
BOSTON – Friday, November 1, 2013 – In recognition of Massachusetts' dedicated, highly skilled and hard-working veterans, Governor Deval Patrick today proclaimed November 2013 as "Hire a Veteran Month."
"It is imperative that we honor the brave men and women who have served our country by giving them the resources to find good jobs at good wages," said Governor Patrick. "By working with employers and providing training for the jobs that are open, we will grow opportunity for our veterans and strengthen our economy."
As part of "Hire A Veteran Month," the Patrick Administration is collaborating with regional workforce partners on a series of events, career fairs, and training sessions that will take place in every region of the Commonwealth throughout November (see full list below).
"The Patrick Administration is proud to collaborate across state agencies and with organizations throughout the Commonwealth to host and support a series of events in November and during the year to promote employment opportunities for veterans," said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Joanne F. Goldstein. "'Hire A Veteran Month' complements the Administration's ongoing work and partnership with academia, the private sector, and workforce organizations to assist veterans during their transition to civilian life and long-term employment."
Massachusetts is a leading provider for veteran services, and the Patrick Administration continues to implement employment assistance and workforce training programs for members of the armed forces, veterans and their spouses. Veterans receive priority service at each of the Department of Career Services (DCS) 32 One-Stop Career Centers around the Commonwealth. Each One-Stop Career Center has at least one staff member dedicated to assisting veterans. In the last fiscal year, DCS provided services to approximately 14,000 veterans in the Commonwealth.
Last week, the Patrick Administration announced it has more than doubled cash grants available to employers hiring Massachusetts veterans regardless through the state's Hiring Incentive Training Grant program. Any for-profit company and non-profit organization that contributes to the Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund are encouraged to apply. Eligible employers may now apply for grants of $5,000 for each new hire who meets the Hiring Incentive Training Grant program requirements. Employers may receive up to $75,000 each calendar year. Upon approval, payment will be available to the employer once the new hire has retained employment for at least 120 days.
As part of the Patrick Administration's campaign to encourage companies to hire and train veterans, the Administration is also partnering with major trade associations. As part of an initiative first launched two years ago, trade associations are encouraged to hire veterans, circulate information on veterans' benefits and educate local employers about the skills service members gain the military.
"Employment is a critical component for a veteran's successful transition back into civilian life," said Secretary of Veterans Services Coleman Nee. "Massachusetts leads the nation in veterans' services and with the partnerships developed with DCS, business organizations and veteran organizations we are maximizing resources to provide our veterans with the employment opportunities they have earned."
"The Chamber supports hiring veterans for many reasons," said Timothy P. Murray, President and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. "The skills and discipline acquired during their service were invaluable in ensuring our nation's freedom. This passion and drive translates into productive employees who help our local businesses to thrive. The Chamber is pleased to be one of the many organizations in Central Massachusetts that is reaching out to our businesses to educate them on the benefits of hiring veterans."
Among its many partners, the Administration is collaborating with the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce on a pilot Veteran Mentoring & Networking program known as "Boots to Business. Designed to become a statewide model, this initiative provides veterans with access to many of Greater Boston's most successful businesses across a variety of industries, including financial services, technology, and others. The program connects each veteran with a mentor in the business community who can guide them through the process of securing long-term employment. To date, over 41 Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce members have become veteran mentors and 31 veterans have registered to be mentored.
"The Chamber is a proud supporter of 'Hire A Veteran Month,' and we appreciate the Patrick Administration's efforts to encourage the hiring of Massachusetts veterans," said Paul Guzzi, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. "Our veterans have given much for our country, and can play a critical role in expanding our region's overall economic success. The Chamber is honored to be working with the state to strengthen connections between veterans and the employer community through our 'Boots to Business' program."
As part of a statewide initiative, DCS and the Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) have also worked with the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP) to leverage state funding used to train veterans in the manufacturing industry. Collaboration is also underway through the Massachusetts Medical Technology Veteran Program to provide veterans with training and networking opportunities within the medical device and diagnostic industries. Another program, Edge4Vets, is also assisting veterans seeking employment in the biotech industry.
In March of this year, Governor Patrick signed an executive order to help small businesses owned by disabled veterans gain access to contracts for public projects in the areas of construction, design and goods and services procurement and also announced the establishment of guidelines to assist members of the armed forces, veterans and their spouses with professional licenses so that they can prepare and apply for job in the Commonwealth.
Below is a list of events scheduled as part of "Hire a Veteran Month" throughout the Commonwealth. To learn more about services for Massachusetts veterans, visit www.mass.gov/veterans or about the Massachusetts Department of Career Services, visit http://www.mass.gov/dcs.
November 2013 "Hire A Veteran Month" Scheduled Events
Friday, November 1
Department of Corrections Job Opportunities Workshop
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Workforce Central, 44 Front Street, Worcester
Event Description: Workshop highlighting varied job opportunities with the Massachusetts Department of Corrections with a focus on hiring Veterans.
Saturday, November 2
2nd Annual South Shore Community Veterans' Benefits Forum
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
St. Anthony's Parish Hall, 10 Summer Street, Cohasset
Event Description: Opportunity to connect to Veteran benefits, meet and greet with local Veterans' Services Officers, and breakout sessions on education, employment, housing, healthcare and more. Veteran Employment Representatives from Career Centers will be in attendance.
Monday, November 4
Prepare for the Job Fair for Veterans
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
North Central Career Center, 25 Main Street, Gardner
Event Description: Veteran facilitated workshop to prepare Veterans to meet with Job Fair employers most effectively, including putting their best foot forward having done employer research, written a better resume and dressing to make the best first impression.
Tuesday, November 5
Annual Fall Veterans Job Fair
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Veterans Priority 9:00 – 10:00)
Greater New Bedford Career Center, 618 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford
Event Description: Multiple employers will be available seeking to fill positions in manufacturing, healthcare, construction, warehouse, transportation and law enforcement.
Veterans' Job Fair
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Franklin Hampshire Career Center Northampton, 178 Industrial Drive, Northampton
Event Description: Annual Veterans' Job Fair with 25+ Employers attending each year. All Employers attending must have at least one job order listed with our Career Center to attend. First hour is for Veterans only, last hour and a half is open for veterans and general public.
Career Directions for Veterans
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
North Central Career Center, 100 Erdman Way, Leominster
Event Description: Veteran facilitated workshop discussing the power of effective resumes, cover letters, networking, dressing for success, interviewing and thank you/follow-up notes.
Wednesday, November 6
Workforce Training Fund: Incentives for Hiring Veterans
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
BerkshireWorks, 160 North Street, Pittsfield
Event Description: Presentation to local employers of potential grants available to them and the importance and advantage of hiring veterans, including an overview of the training dollars available, Veterans Tax Credit, and the latest updates including an increase of the Hiring Incentive Training Grant to $5,000 per veteran.
Roadmap to Successful Job Search
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cambridge Career Source, 186 Alewife Brook Parkway, Cambridge
Event Description: Two Career Centers, The Career Place and Career Source, are collaborating on this Veterans Only event which will include presenter Jayne Mattson, VP Keystone Associates.
Thursday, November 7
"Jobs at Home" Job Fair
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Veterans only)
VFW, 190 Plain Street, Lowell
Event Description: Lowell Career Center Job Fair with approximately 20 + employers attending.
Prepare for the Job Fair for Veterans
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
North Central Career Center, 100 Erdman Way, Leominster
Event Description: Veteran facilitated workshop to prepare Veterans to meet with Job Fair employers most effectively, including putting their best foot forward having done employer research, written a better resume and dressing to make the best first impression.
Friday, November 8
General Dynamics Electric Boat Job Opportunities Workshop
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Workforce Central, 44 Front Street, Worcester
Event Description: Varied job opportunities with General Dynamics Electric Boat's Westerly RI facility focused on hiring Veterans.
Monday, November 11
Veteran's Day Service Fair
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Beacon Cinema, 125 North Street, Pittsfield
Event Description: In addition to a discussion of services, a presentation will feature "Honor Flight," a film about getting World War II veterans from home to Washington DC to see the World War II Memorial. BerkshireWorks and local Veterans Service Agencies will be available to provide information regarding programs and services.
Tuesday, November 12
Salute to Veterans Job Fair
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Northern Essex Community College, Haverhill Campus/Tech Center, 100 Elliott Street, Haverhill
Event Description: ValleyWorks Career Center Job Fair; open to the public.
Veteran Job Fair
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Career Point, 850 High Street, Holyoke
Event Description: This job fair will include Veteran Partners and Employers who are actively hiring.
Veterans Career Fair
3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Holiday Inn, 700 Myles Standish Boulevard, Taunton
Event Description: Exclusive to Veterans and spouses, this event combines resources from career assistance, financial agencies for help with mortgage etc, human service agencies, and of course employers with jobs.
Wednesday, November 13
Fall Job Fair 2013
9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Doubletree Inn, 99 Erdman Way, Leominster
Event Description: North Central Career Centers Annual job fair.
Job Fair
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
JobNet Career Center, 210 South Street, Boston
Event Description: Veteran job fair with a focus on Health Care.
Veterans Clothing Collaborative
2:00PM – 4:30PM
Boston Career Link, 1010 Harrison Avenue, Boston
Event Description: The event will provide Veterans with appropriate dress clothes for interviews.
Thursday, November 14
Hiring Our Veterans: Veterans & Community Job Fair
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Peabody Institute Library, 15 Sylvan Street, Danvers
Event Description: North Shore Career Centers Job Fair.
BerkshireWorks Veterans Resource Room Dedication
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
BerkshireWorks, 160 North Street, Pittsfield
Event Description: BerkshireWorks in conjunction with Berkshire Community College has established a resource room for Veterans to provide a place to do research, job search or meet with someone.
Veterans Benefits and Resources Workshop
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (Registration begins at 9:00 a.m.)
CareerWorks Career Center, 34 School Street, Brockton
Event Description: Information on benefits for Veterans, including educational, medical, and monetary benefits.
Friday, November 15
Veterans Jobs Fair
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Auburn/Webster Elks, 754 Southbridge Street, Auburn
Event Description: Workforce Central Annual Job Fair Event.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Veteran Expo
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1 West Street, Pittsfield
Event Description: The community has organized this event to express support and gratitude by the community to Veterans and their families, identifying resources and services including Veteran Education, Chapter 115 benefits, health and wellness and job search.
LinkedIn Workshop for Veterans
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The Career Place, 100 Sylvan Road, Woburn, MA
Event Description: This workshop will focus on LinkedIn and how to use it for a job search.
Wednesday, November 20
Job Fair
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (First ½ Hour Veterans Only)
Council on Aging, Adams Visitors Center 5 Hoosac Street, Adams, MA
Event Description: This event includes multiple recruiting employers.
GI Bill Information Session
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
North Shore Career Center, 181 Union Street, Lynn
Event Description: This event will include an informational session and technical assistance on obtaining GI Bill Benefits. Lunch will be provided.
Job Fair
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
JobNet Career Center, 210 South Street, Boston
Event Description: Veteran job fair with a focus on Government.
Thursday, November 21
Veterans Career Fair
10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (1st hour Veterans Only)
Quincy Career Center, 152 Parkingway, Quincy
Event Description: This event will invite approximately 14 to 18 employers and five to eight veteran agencies, spacing permitted.
Friday, November 22
Behind the Walls of HR for Veterans
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
North Central Career Center, 100 Erdman Way, Leominster
Event Description: The event will feature a panel of employers, and Veterans will have the opportunity to ask panelists questions pertaining to job interviews and what HR/hiring managers look for in ideal employees. Questions are solicited from Veterans and will be provided to the panelists the day of the event.
Sunday, November 24
How to work a career fair
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Quincy Career Center, 152 Parkingway, Quincy
Event Description: The event includes a workshop for Veterans on how to work a career fair.
Monday, November 25
Veterans' Networking Event
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
The Work Place, 29 Winter Street, Boston
Event Description: The event is an opportunity for Veterans to meet and support fellow Veterans through their job search.
Friday, November 29
Recruitment for Securitas Security Agency
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Workforce Central, 5 Optical Drive, Southbridge
Event Description: Securitas Security will be recruiting qualified candidates to fill the position of Security Guard. The first hour of the recruitment will be only open to qualified Veteran candidates.
Thursday, December 5
Career Fair
Time TBD
Plymouth Career Center, 36 Cordage Park, Plymouth
Event Description: Veteran Career Fair.
