Employers Seek Veterans’ Skills at Job Fair

MIDDLETOWN, Del. – Today, 46 employers were on hand to meet nearly 90 veterans at a job fair hosted by Delaware’s Congressional Delegation of Sens. Tom Carper, Chris Coons and Congressman John Carney (all D-Del.) at the Middletown Memorial Fire Hall.

Over the last two weeks, nearly 200 veterans came out to network with employers and explore hiring opportunities at two job fairs held in Delaware and hosted by the Congressional Delegation. Some employers were able to fill positions on the spot.

“As a 23-year veteran of the Navy, I know firsthand the sacrifices members of our military make to defend our nation,” said Sen. Carper, a member of the Senate Veterans Job Caucus. “These brave and dedicated men and women finish their service as leaders with sharp skills, making them highly desirable job candidates. I will continue working to ensure our country’s veterans can find good professional opportunities as they transition into civilian life.”

“For the sacrifices our veterans have made for us and this country, helping our veterans find meaningful employment is one small way we can say thank you,” said Sen. Coons. “I am proud to partner with the Delaware Delegation to host these veterans’ job fairs to assist these highly trained men and women to find work. The men and women who serve this country in uniform can offer employers unique talents and extraordinary leadership skills and I am committed to helping connect veterans with civilian employment in Delaware.”

“Our aim with these job fairs is to connect Delaware veterans with employers looking to hire,” said Congressman Carney.  “Veterans have valuable skills, experience, and training that could be a big help for many employers in our state.  I’m glad that we had a good turnout today, and confident that many Delaware veterans made connections that will help them begin the next phase of their careers.”

Since 2011, the Congressional Delegation has hosted 17 general job fairs and six job fairs for veterans. Next week, the delegation will host a job fair for the general public on Sept. 5, 2014, at Delaware Technical Community College in Wilmington.