The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), in partnership with 28 local workforce development boards and the Texas Veterans Commission, will host veterans hiring fairs in 30 cities throughout Texas on Thursday, Nov. 10. TWC’s fifth 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.
“This event represents the importance of Texas employers working together to help our veterans who have served our country as they begin the next chapter of their lives,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “The Hiring Red, White & You! events are excellent opportunities for veterans to gain employment and for Texas employers to find experienced individuals to fill available job opportunities.”
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 four years, Hiring Red, White & You! has connected more than 42,000 veterans with over 6,500 employers.
“Texas veterans are well-educated, dedicated and highly-trained individuals who have the technical and professional skills needed by Texas employers,” said TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar. “The Hiring Red, White & You! statewide hiring fairs are a great opportunity for Texas employers to connect with these highly skilled veterans.”
The national unemployment rate in 2015 for all veterans is 4.6 percent1. In contrast, for those veterans who served in the military since September 2001, the unemployment rate is higher at 5.8 percent2. There are 1.7 million3 total veterans throughout Texas, which is the 2nd highest state population of veterans in the country.
“The Hiring Red, White & You! Fair is a great resource for employers who value experience, teamwork and transferable skills when looking for the right candidate for their companies, said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ruth R. Hughs. “Employers seeking to hire veterans not only gain an employee with the ability to learn new skills and concepts quickly, but will gain an employee who knows the dynamics of leadership inside and out.”
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.
“Military veterans have skills and credentials qualifying them for work in a variety of occupations,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “These job fairs are a great chance for veterans to expand their network and gain fast entry into rewarding careers in Texas.”
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.
