The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), in partnership with 28 local workforce development boards and the Texas Veterans Commission, will host statewide veterans hiring fairs on Thursday, Nov. 12. TWC’s fourth annual Hiring Red, White & You! Statewide Hiring Fair is a joint initiative supported by the Office of the Governor, the Texas Medical Center and the Texas Veterans Commission to connect veterans and their spouses in Texas with employers who are seeking veterans’ exceptional skills.
“Fewer things are more important than honoring our veterans,” said Governor Abbott. “One of the best ways we can do this is by working with prospective employers to provide employment opportunities for our heroes. I applaud the Texas Workforce Commission for their commitment to our veterans and I look forward to continuing my work with them to provide economic opportunity for all of Texas’ former military members.”
The multi-city event is designed to assist veterans, service members and their spouses as they seek their next career opportunity. Employers participate at no cost and are encouraged to contact their local Workforce Solutions office for more information. Over the past three years, Hiring Red, White & You! has connected more than 31,000 veterans with more than 4,700 employers.
“Our veterans are highly-trained individuals who have the technical and professional skills employers need to boost their company’s performance,” said TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar. “The Hiring Red, White & You! statewide hiring fairs provide a great opportunity for Texas employers to recruit these highly skilled veterans.”
The Texas Veterans Commission is preparing veterans for these hiring fairs by assisting them with applications and résumés, interviewing techniques, as well as one-on-one counseling services.
“Through the training our military receive, veterans have acquired important skills that employers are seeking,” said Texas Veterans Commission Executive Director Thomas Palladino. “This hiring event represents the importance of Texas employers working together to help our veterans who have served our nation as they begin the next chapter of their lives.”
The national unemployment rate in 2014 for all veterans is 5.3 percent1. In contrast, for those veterans who served in the military since September 2001, the unemployment rate is higher at 7.2 percent2. There are 1.6 million3 total veterans throughout Texas, which is the 2nd highest state population of veterans in the country.
“Many highly-qualified service members are returning to civilian life every day,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “I encourage all veterans looking for employment to seek out the Hiring Red, White & You! hiring fair taking place in their area. This is a great way to network with employers who have job openings to be filled.”
Employers who hire veterans may be eligible for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which allows employers to receive up to $9,600 on federal business income or payroll tax benefits when they hire from certain qualified groups of veterans.
“Veterans are talented and dedicated workers, and businesses that employ them will benefit from their skills.” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ruth R. Hughs. “Military service brings great value to the workplace. Veterans bring experience, skills and leadership abilities that strengthen the Texas workforce and help employers succeed.”
Information on how employers and job seekers can participate in Hiring Red, White & You! Hiring Fairs may be found at www.texasworkforce.org/hrwy. Please note that some job fair locations may have changed since last year. For information on all veteran workforce services available in Texas, visit www.texasworkforce.org/veterans.
