AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) recently launched its rebranded web portal Texas Operation Welcome Home to better meet the employment needs of transitioning service members, recently separated veterans and military spouses. The portal includes information and web links to several employment and training initiatives for veterans and employers.

“The service members transitioning back to the civilian workforce and our Texas veterans are an extremely valuable source of talent for Texas employers,” said TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar. “We are proud to provide information and resources to Texas veterans seeking opportunities in industries across Texas, as well as to the employers who benefit from their unmatched leadership and skills.”

The web portal includes online registration for the “We Hire Vets” employer recognition program that recognizes Texas employers for their commitment to hiring veterans. Through the program, employers whose workforce is composed of at least 10 percent military veterans are eligible to receive a “We Hire Vets” employer recognition decal to display on the employer's storefront as well as an electronic decal to display on the employer's website.

“We've had tremendous response from employers inquiring about and registering for the We Hire Vets program,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ruth R. Hughs. “With our Texas Operation Welcome Home webpage, we will continue our efforts to connect employers with veterans and their family members who are seeking employment.”

Employers interested in the “We Hire Vets” program can register online. Since the program's launch, 47 businesses have been nominated as “We Hire Vets” employers. JVIC Catalyst Services LLC is a “We Hire Vets” participant and recently extended 36 job offers to veterans. Starting wages for the jobs are $23 an hour.

“With veterans, you don't have to worry about the little things. They are on time, where they are supposed to be, and bring all necessary tools ready to work,” said JVIC Catalyst Services Health and Safety Member Kevin D. Palmer.” “It's ingrained within them in the military, and you generally don't get that right off the bat with the civilian population.”

“Our veterans are ready to work, and it's important to ensure their access to readily available employment information on our websites,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “We're extremely grateful of our veterans and their service and welcome the opportunity to help them transfer their skills into the civilian workforce.”

In addition to “We Hire Vets,” other programs and initiatives for veteran employment featured on the rebranded web portal include:

• Texas Skills to Work — Assists service members by translating military experience into civilian terms and skill sets. After translation, it matches the civilian skill set with online job postings requiring those same skills. • Skills for Transition — Provides training opportunities to transitioning military service members who are preparing to separate from service within 180 days who will remain in Texas or who have been discharged within the past 180 days. The training is for employment in high-growth, high-demand occupations. • Military Family Support Pilot Program — Provides $1 million in grants to fund employment assistance for military spouses including enhanced job search assistance, assessment of skills, labor market information, and résumé writing and interview skills assistance.

For more information on the Texas Operation Welcome Home web portal and the “We Hire Vets” program, visit www.texasoperationwelcomehome.com.

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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.

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