Hiring Red, White and You! Veterans virtual hiring fair slated Nov. 5

A free Nov. 5 statewide veterans virtual hiring event will connect veteran-friendly employers with veterans seeking work.

“On behalf of the state of Texas, I want to say thank you to all veterans for answering the call to serve our nation and defend our freedoms. And I want you to know that Texas has your back,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “Greater economic opportunity for our veterans begins with employment that fully utilizes their skills, dedication and drive. That is why I encourage employers in Texas to attend a ‘Hiring Red, White & You!’ event on Nov. 5.”

The ninth annual event is the first to be conducted mostly virtually, building on the success of virtual hiring events which the workforce development boards have been hosting throughout Texas since the COVID-19 pandemic began, according to a release.

“Our nation’s heroes have unmatched skills, advanced training, and proven leadership capabilities.” said Texas Workforce Commission Chair Bryan Daniel. “TWC’s Hiring Red, White & You! events provide a venue for employers to expand their workforce with these invaluable men and women.”

Hiring Red, White & You! is a joint initiative hosted by the Texas Workforce Solutions, in partnership with the Office of the Governor, Texas Medical Center and the Texas Veterans Commission to connect veterans and their spouses in Texas with employers who are seeking veterans’ exceptional skills.

The campaign encourages Texas employers to recognize the advanced skills and experience our brave service men and women have to offer through their military experience and help veterans in Texas transition into the civilian workforce and their spouses.

• During the past eight years, Hiring Red, White & You! has connected more than 98,600 job seekers, including 38,925 veterans and spouses, along with 16,650 employers and over 2,700 same-day hires.

• The number of veterans in Texas is estimated to be 1.5 million (BLS estimate), and an estimated 882,000 of these veterans are eligible for work.

• The National unemployment rate in 2019 for all veterans was 3.1 percent. In contrast, for those veterans who served in the military since September 2001, the unemployment rate was higher at 3.5 percent.

• Connecting Texas employers to qualified former U.S. military service members can be an asset to businesses. Veterans are trained to adapt to change, take initiative and learn quickly. It is estimated that replacing an employee in a mid-range position can cost a company as much as 20% of the employee’s annual salary. However, the expenses associated with recruiting efforts, interviewing, screening, and training, can make losing an employee much more costly. By hiring more veteran candidates, you can reduce turnover and maintain a more stable workforce over time.

• Employers who hire veterans may earn up to $9,600 in federal tax credits through the Work Opportunity Tax Credit program. Visit www.texasworkforce.org/wotc. Employing veterans creates a dedicated workforce with employees who know how to lead, build teams, and accept and meet challenges.

• Veterans bring exceptional training and soft skills to the workplace, including exceptional performance under pressure, accelerated learning curve and a high degree of accountability.

• Hiring Red, White & You! is designed to support veterans’ spouses, who are critical to the well- being of military families and vital members of their communities. Military spouses often have advanced degrees and a similar service mindset and are well-equipped to adapt to challenges due to having to relocate often. TWC encourages employers to consider hiring military spouses also!

• View a complete list of Hiring Red, White & You! fair virtual events and contact information at twc.texas.gov/hiring-redwhite-you.

The Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and the services it offers in coordination with its network of local workforce development boards, call 512-463-8942 or visit www.texasworkforce.org. To receive notifications about TWC programs and services subscribe to our email updates.