The U.S. Department of Labor is now accepting applications for the 2021 HIRE Vets Medallion Award, presented annually to employers that meet rigorous criteria for recruiting, employing and retaining America’s military Veterans.
Initiated by the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans (HIRE Vets) Act of 2017, the award recognizes small businesses, nonprofit organizations and large companies for excellence in leadership when it comes to promoting Veterans’ employment. Recipients demonstrate to their customers and future employees that they are dedicated to hiring Veterans and supporting their careers.
- The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is the only federal-level Veterans’ employment award that recognizes employers.
- The award highlights companies and organizations committed to hiring and retaining America’s Veterans in promising, family-sustaining careers.
- The application deadline is April 30.
Many recognized business leaders advocate hiring Veterans as a good business practice. These business leaders know from experience that Veterans bring proven leadership, a mission-focused approach to work, technical skills, a strong work ethic and many other strengths to the workplace. Employers who invest in Veterans’ careers find they gain dedicated employees who contribute significantly to their organizations.
In 2020, 675 employers earned the HIRE Vets Medallion Award, increasing over 58% of the awardees from the previous year. To date, more than 1,000 employers have been recognized. Earning the award raises a company’s profile to a national level through federal recognition, and awardees are highlighted on an interactive map at HIREVets.gov/awardees. As Veterans narrow their job search, the HIRE Vets Medallion Award is a clear signal that a company is Veteran-ready and dedicated to investing in their careers.
Visit HIREVets.gov to learn about the award criteria, the application process, and to sign up for DOL’s newsletter. Now is the time to ensure employers are aware of the opportunity to earn recognition before the 2021 application period closes on April 30.
Follow DOL on Twitter @VETS_DOL, on Facebook at @departmentoflabor, and on LinkedIn at U.S. Department of Labor.
Randy Smith is the HIRE Vets Medallion program director, Office of the Assistant Secretary, Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), Department of Labor.
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I am a small business and veteran owned that has been looking for grants that will allow me to start recruiting and teaching veterans metal fabrication, welding and blacksmith work. Any suggestions. I am a 100% disabled owner, that was a high school dropout in 10th grade and now has a Doctorate in education. I have a collaborative team that includes a VA trained psychologist and journeyman welders with a certificate producing program. Just can’t find the capital. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Burkmerica Custom Design
SBA.gov has a lot of information. Start there to get certified as a small biz disabled vet and the grant and assistance groups are all listed for each. Good luck