U.S. Department of Labor Encourages Employers To Apply for 2019 HIRE Vets Medallion Award

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor reminds the nation's job creators they have until April 30, 2019, to submit an application for an Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans (HIRE Vets) Medallion Award.

The award recognizes employers ranging from small businesses, non-profit organizations, and large businesses for their leadership in recruiting, employing, and retaining America's veterans.

President Donald J. Trump signed the HIRE Vets Act into law in 2017, and created the only federal-level award that recognizes the commitment of job creators to hire America's veterans. Following the success of its 2018 Demonstration Program, the Department's Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) began accepting award applications on January 31, 2019, for the official program.

Applications are evaluated on a range of criteria including veteran hiring and retention rates, as well as the availability of veteran-specific resources, leadership programs, dedicated human resources, and compensation and tuition assistance programs. To apply, employers must meet and verify award requirements, pay an application fee, and ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). To apply, receive program updates, or get more information, visit HireVets.gov. The deadline to submit an application is April 30, 2019.