Friday, October 30, 2009 3:40 pm

NASHVILLE – Recognizing that employers in Tennessee benefit from hiring military veterans, Governor Phil Bredesen has proclaimed the month of November as “Hire Vets First Month.”

“Our veterans have developed the business skills, work ethic, and sense of purpose that is gained from military service, which makes them valuable employees for any organization,” said Governor Bredesen. “We owe them our continued support when they return to civilian life.”

Tennessee Career Centers are featured in the Hire Vets First campaign as the location where employers can connect with veterans who are transitioning from military service to civilian careers. "I encourage employers to hire a veteran when they have a job opening," says Labor Commissioner James Neeley. "When a company hires a veteran they are not only recognizing the commitment men and women have made to our nation, but also they are also recognizing the qualities veterans bring to the workplace."

Each Tennessee Career Center offers a knowledgeable veterans’ representative who provides one-on-one service for veterans. Services include employment-related testing, training information, skills assessment, assistance with job referral, and job search techniques and local job market information. Additional help with résumés, interviewing skills, job hunting techniques and referrals to other veteran organizations are also provided.

The Wagner-Peyser Act, passed by Congress in 1933, established federally-funded agencies, such as Tennessee Career Centers, provide “priority of service” to Veterans including priority referral to jobs and training as well as special employment services and assistance.

Select Tennessee Career Centers are hosting events for veterans. The TN Career Center in Murfreesboro will hold a Veterans Appreciation event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 10.