Mishall RehmanOn average, 8,200 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members release annually from the military, with half of them seeking civilian employment.
However, after spending years dedicating their lives and careers to serving Canada, many have a hard time entering the workforce and translating their skills.
Recognizing the challenges veterans face, our neighbours to the south designated July 25 as National Hire a Veteran Day.
Hiring Heroes
In 2017, a Marine Corps veteran, Dan Caporale, who also founded Hire Our Heroes, created National Hire a Veteran Day. The goal was to encourage employers in America to prioritize hiring military veterans from all branches. However, the goal was twofold in nature because it also encouraged veterans to step into civilian jobs after their transition.
“This special day is set aside to raise awareness of civilian employment for transitioning service members and Veterans after their military service, a call to action for those who hire and those who apply,” stated a release from the Veterans Affairs Department of the U.S.
Veterans Affairs and other state-level governments issued press releases and assurances on how they prioritize hiring veterans.
“We’ve made numerous resources available for Veterans like you who want to continue their public service and shift to a civilian career. We regularly feature blog posts offering tips and advice and information about jobs that fit your skill set,” stated VA.
Efforts to hire Canadian Veterans
Although there is no National Hire a Veteran Day recognized here in Canada, efforts are being made to encourage employers to hire veterans.
Just last month, Veterans Affairs Canada launched Service after Service: The National Veterans Employment Strategy.
This is the first strategy of its kind aimed at providing “a comprehensive roadmap to support Veteran employment,” stated a VAC press release.
The strategy has four components:
- improving services and expanding programs for veterans,
- creating and recognizing veteran-ready employers,
- encouraging public service as a good fit for veterans, and
- building partnerships.
Government and Private Sector Working Together
Through the work of VAC and other private organizations, more than 1,700 companies have expressed interest in hiring veterans, according to VAC, with many employers creating Veteran recruitment initiatives.
Additionally, VAC states that there are 5,600 members of the Hire a Veteran LinkedIn group, which helps to connect Veterans with employers. Visit the Hire a Veteran Group here.
