Gov. Nathan Deal and the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development on Thursday launched Operation: Workforce to help returning veterans find jobs. Job listings from companies across Georgia looking to fill positions with veterans are posted on the website.
The website also includes information on resources and services available to veterans.
GOWD also kicked off the Hire a Georgia Veteran campaign. This campaign consists of a “Pledge to Support Georgia’s Veterans” for employers to sign. Employers who sign the pledge commit to give enhanced hiring opportunities to veterans.
“Serving Georgia’s veterans is a top priority for the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development,” said Executive Director Tricia Pridemore in a press release announcing initiatives to aid returning veterans. “We are grateful for their sacrifice and will work to communicate career opportunities with our veterans.”
With an estimated 80,000 new veterans expected to enter Georgia’s workforce by 2016, the new programs will help ensure veterans have a smooth transition back into the civilian workforce.
The State Workforce Investment Board has voted to grant top priority of service in Georgia’s workforce system to veterans and their spouses. This policy builds upon the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) requirements for veterans.
The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) is also playing an important role in this effort. A Troops to Trucks program will expedite the entry of veterans into civilian employment through the transportation industry. The initial pilot program focuses on accelerating the licensing process for military personnel at Fort Benning to receive a Commercial Driver’s license (CDL).
Military personnel will be given exclusive service through after-hours access to select DDS centers for testing and issuance of CDL licenses. The DDS center in Midland, Muscogee County, GA, will open its doors to active duty military, veterans, Guard and Reserve starting Monday, Nov. 12, a day the DDS is typically closed.
