February 02, 2018

Veterans program Manchin championed begins accepting applications

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced the HIRE Vets Medallion Program Demonstration will begin accepting applications today, February 2. The program is the result of Senator Manchin’s legislation, the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing (HIRE) Veterans Act. The Medallion Program Demonstration is a tiered recognition program within the Department of Labor to award employers based on their contributions to Veteran employment. Senator Manchin is also the founder of the Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus, a bipartisan group of Senators and House Members who have committed to hiring Veterans. 

"Over the past couple of years, many American businesses both small and large have joined the effort to hire Veterans and are now doing their part in the fight to reduce our Veterans’ unemployment rate. This is tremendous news, but while many employers claim to be Veteran-friendly, there is no nationally recognized standard for employers to aspire to, or for future Veteran employees to seek out. This program will make it easier for our service men and women to find opportunities for good-paying jobs,” Senator Manchin said. 

Job creators of all sizes can apply online at www.hirevets.gov beginning Friday, February 2nd, 2018. For more information, visit www.dol.gov/vets.

He introduced the HIRE Veterans Act last February with Roy Blunt (R-MO), which would recognize qualified employers for meeting certain criteria designed to encourage Veteran-friendly businesses, including: what percentage of new hires, or the overall workforce, is made up of Veterans; what types of training and leadership development opportunities are made available; what other benefits and resources are offered, such as tuition assistance; and other factors that demonstrate a commitment to supporting Veterans throughout their post-military careers. The recognition would come in the form of a Medallion Certificate, awarded at the platinum and gold levels.

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