Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper has declared November “Hire A Veteran First” Month.  With Veterans Day on November 11 (observed November 12), November is a time to focus on connecting veterans with employers and with the training and resources that can lead to a good paying job.

This November, the Department of Labor and Employment is making those connections with several upcoming events.  A job fair hosted by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research takes place on November 7 at the UCAR’s Center Green campus, 3080 Center Green Drive in Boulder.  Front range employers will be on hand to meet with veterans, all active-duty military personnel, Guard and Reserve will be allowed early entrance at 10 AM.  All other job seekers will be welcomed at 11 AM.  Come prepared, take notes and get your questions answered when visiting with recruiters.  If you’re ready, this UCAR job fair can be a major turning point.

November 15, struggling veterans in Boulder County are urged to attend the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans' Stand Down.  The event provides homeless and low-income veterans with essentials like clothes, food and community resources.  Veterans employment representatives from Workforce Boulder County will be on hand to assist at this year’s Stand Down. The Stand Down takes place from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM at American Legion Post 32, 315 South Bowen Street in Longmont.

November is also a time to increase veterans’ awareness of the many workforce services and resources available to them at Workforce Centers across Colorado.  “Employers who have hired veterans will tell you they made a real investment in their business with each hire,” says Department of Labor and Employment Executive Director Sam Walker.  “Whether our services are delivered face-to-face or online, we are proud of our long-standing commitment to the men and women of the Armed Forces. Our approach is veterans helping veterans."

More than 40 Local Veteran Employment Representatives and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialists -- who are themselves veterans – provide assistance to veterans in finding employment, acquiring skills and planning for the future.  In the last twelve months, more than 19,600 veterans received services through their local Workforce Center.

Employers interested in learning more about hiring veterans and what these job candidates can contribute to a business should contact their nearest Workforce Center.  To learn more, visit Colorado.gov/cdle/veterans.