STATE LAUNCHES WEBSITE TO ASSIST MILITARY VETERANS SEEKING JOBS

WWW.CTVETS.ORG To Connect Veterans With Employers

WETHERSFIELD, CT - Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman and Labor Commissioner Glenn Marshall today announced the launch of a website that will connect job-seeking military veterans and employers interested in hiring them.

The HIRE VETS FIRST ! Services to Employers site was developed specifically for Connecticut's veterans, who commonly experience difficulty finding employment when they return from active duty.

"Our military men and women deserve our support both when they are in uniform and when they return home," Wyman said. "This website will be a very effective tool in helping our veterans use their skills to support themselves and their families."

Commissioner Marshall said the website is designed to enhance current outreach efforts by his department.

"This website will complement the work of our Office for Veterans' Workforce Development staff - all veterans themselves - who will assist servicemen and women from all branches of the military transition back to civilian life," Marshall said.

Highlights of the new Website include:

· Direct access to services provided by Connecticut Department of Labor Veteran Employment

Representatives and Business Services Representatives

· Information about Veteran Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training Programs

· Instructions on how to apply for Training and Manufacturing Grants

· Making use of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to your best benefit

· Online appointment scheduler to meet with a Veteran Employment Representative

The website also has up-to-date information for job seekers about possible educational opportunities provided to veterans by the federal government; unemployment insurance assistance and how to file for benefits; veteran preference and benefits options; training opportunities; women's issues; job and career fair announcements; career coaching; résumé preparation; legislative updates and current events relating to veterans.

The Department of Labor's OVWD staff is available at the CTWorks Career Centers and conduct outreach services in the local communities to provide assistance directly to where Veterans are located - including Connecticut state universities, community/technical College Oasis Centers, the U.S. Navy Submarine Base in New London and other veteran-populated locations across the state.

Visit the HIRE VETS FIRST! Services to Employers Website at WWW.CTVETS.ORG

Contact:

Nancy Steffens Steve Jensen

Dir. of Communications Dir. of Communications

Dept. of Labor Office of Lt. Governor

860-263-6535 860-524-7377

Nancy.Steffens@ct.gov Steve.Jensen@ct.gov