State, Federal Employment Help for Military Veterans

Connecticut military veterans looking for work now have a state website to help them match up with employers. And new federal help may not be far behind.

The state’s Hire Vets First! Services to Employers site has a wealth of information about programs and services, including veteran apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs, training and manufacturing grants, and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.

Job-seeking veterans will find information “to make your transition from military to civilian life as seamless as possible,” says Terence Brennan director, Office for Veterans' Workforce Development.

Included is information about job fairs, career coaching, résumé preparations, job search workshops, education benefits and much more.

Hire Heroes Act

Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate has overwhelmingly approved legislation that would provide employers with tax credits for hiring long-term unemployed and wounded veterans.

The Vow to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 also includes job counseling, training and placement assistance for former members of the military. And it will help military members leaving the service transition into civilian positions.

The House of Representatives is also expected to approve the bill later this year, and President Obama likely will sign it.