South Raleigh News

Governor Josh Stein, along with North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, has urged employers in the state to hire veterans and apply for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award, a program run by the U.S. Department of Labor. The application period for these awards will close on April 30, 2025.

“North Carolina is home to approximately 700,000 veterans, who bring great skills and experience to our state’s workforce,” said Governor Stein. “The HIRE Vets program recognizes companies for their support for our nation’s heroes, cementing North Carolina’s position as the most military-friendly state.”

The awards recognize employers at the federal level for commitments to hiring, retaining, and developing veterans professionally. In 2024, 28 employers in North Carolina received the HIRE Vets Medallion Award.

Employment opportunities for veterans are highlighted through the NCWorks job search site and the NCWorks Veterans Portal, which showcase employers recognized by the HIRE Vets Medallion Award. “North Carolina’s military community is one of our state’s strategic assets, and we applaud the many employers who recognize the talent, value and unique perspective that our veterans provide,” said Secretary Lee Lilley. “By recruiting and training veterans for meaningful employment opportunities, companies assist in the transition to civilian life and honor the sacrifice of military service.”

Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette of the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs emphasized the importance of employment for veterans as they transition to civilian life. “Veterans and their families enrich North Carolina communities and provide a ready and skilled workforce that is second to none,” Mallette noted.

The program assesses various criteria for its awards, such as veteran hiring and retention strategies and resources offered specifically to veterans. The application also includes a fee structure that varies by company size, with large employers paying $495, medium employers $190, and small employers $90.

One recognized organization, Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministries (ABCCM), focuses on providing veteran services. “We are honored to be a three-time recipient of this award, recognizing the immense value Veterans bring to our organization,” said Jessica Rice, Managing Director for Veterans Services of the Carolinas.

The Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Labor, employs 50 NCWorks Veterans Services professionals, all of whom are veterans. Their mission is to assist veterans in finding job and training opportunities across North Carolina.

For those interested, more information and application details for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award Program are available at www.HireVets.gov. Employers and veterans can also receive assistance at local NCWorks Career Centers, where additional contact information can be found at www.NCWorks.gov.

NCWorks Veterans Services are supported by the Jobs for Veterans State Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, which provides North Carolina with $5,703,016 in funding.