Veterans Career Fair Scheduled in Boston

By Mary MacDonald

Editor's note: the following is an excerpt of a release from state Sen. Richard Moore. (D-Uxbridge)

Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, is encouraging local veterans to partake in the upcoming Statewide Veterans Career Fair.

"While Massachusetts leads the nation in the benefits and services it provides to veterans, the looming unemployment rate among the veteran population is a problem that unfortunately persists across the Commonwealth," stated Sen. Moore. "Yet, the skills and experience that veterans obtain through their military service often meet or exceed the minimum requirements for many available jobs. I encourage any and all veterans to consider attending this career fair for the chance to explore opportunities and get feedback on how their skill set may translate to future employment."

The Statewide Veterans Career Fair will take place on Jan. 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the State House in Boston.

The Statewide Veterans Career Fair is part of the Commonwealth's Strategic Plan to Increase Employment Opportunities for Veterans. The goals of the event are to: increase the visibility of the types of positions available; provide veterans with a platform to discuss with staffing representatives how their skills and career aspirations match with the Commonwealth; and ultimately connect veterans to employment opportunities.

Interested veterans can register online, for free, at: http://www.mass.gov/anf/employment-equal-access-disability/diversity-access-and-opportunity/career-exploration/massachusetts-statewide-veterans-career-fair-january-28-2014.html.

Agencies that will be participating in the Career Fair include various state departments, offices, and related organizations. A full list of participants can be accessed at: www.mass.gov/anf/employment-equal-access-disability/diversity-access-and-opportunity/career-exploration/agency-participation-list.html.

Moore encourages any veterans who cannot attend the career fair to consider visiting a local One-Stop Career Center, two of which are located in Milford and Southbridge.

Unemployed veterans are also encouraged to consult www.MassVetsAdvisor.org, the state's online portal for veteran services, benefits, and resources.

Veterans can also visit "My Next Move for Veterans," sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, as well as the "Hero 2 Hire" program website at www.h2h.jobs for insight and advice on job searching, exploring career paths by military skill set, interviewing, and skill sets, along with many other portals.