Florida Governor Rick Scott recently launched Hiring Florida’s Heroes, a yearlong campaign to help returning veterans find jobs. Through the Employ Florida Marketplace, workforce specialists will connect employers with qualified veterans by posting job listings, assembling lists of candidates and answering questions about training options, among other services. The campaign will also help raise awareness of recently expanded tax credits of up to $9,600 per hired veteran through the federal Vow to Hire Heroes Act of 2011.
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Download Now“These courageous men and women have served us with honor, and it is our turn to ensure veterans who are returning to civilian life have jobs when they come home,” said Governor Scott. “We are calling on Florida’s employers to give veterans strong consideration for available positions. With their proven leadership, skills and discipline, hiring Florida’s heroes is a smart move for businesses and the right thing to do for our veterans and their families.”
While the unemployment rate for Florida veterans is slightly lower than that of the general population, the National Guard estimates that 17 percent of returning soldiers are looking for work. Since January 2011, workforce system partners have helped 12,776 veterans looking for work, Florida’s Agency for Workforce Innovation reports.
Employers interested in hiring veterans should call the Employ Florida Marketplace hotline at (866) 352-2345 or visit http://veterans.employflorida.com to post job listings and view resumes.
“Florida’s returning soldiers and airmen possess strong leadership skills, work with integrity and are solid private-sector job candidates,” said Mark Wilson, president and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “The Florida Chamber encourages private-sector businesses to honor these talented veterans by hiring our heroes.”
“In my travels around the state, I have heard from many employers who appreciate the value veterans bring as employees,” said Senator Don Gaetz. “With our economy improving, businesses growing and veterans returning from service overseas, now is the ideal time to ensure our state and business leaders are working together to get these men and women back to work here at home.”