North Raleigh Today

The North Carolina Department of Commerce held the 50th annual Veterans Employment Services Training Conference in Cherokee this week. The conference aimed to provide professional development for the NCWorks Veterans Services team. Attendees discussed programs and organizations serving veterans and celebrated the state’s enduring partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans Employment & Training Service (VETS) for the benefit of both jobseekers and employers.

Governor Josh Stein acknowledged the struggles veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life, stating, “We owe them a debt of gratitude, so we must do everything we can to ease that transition, help them access critical services, and connect them with employers.” Stein emphasized the value that North Carolina's veterans bring to both the state’s workforce and businesses.

N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley highlighted the commitment to supporting veterans. “Our NCWorks Veterans Services professionals, all veterans themselves, play a pivotal role in connecting our heroes with meaningful employment opportunities," he said.

The Department of Commerce employs 50 NCWorks Veterans Services professionals who assist veterans in finding employment and training opportunities. These professionals work with businesses interested in hiring veterans and are stationed at NCWorks Career Centers throughout the state. Additionally, they are involved in partnering with Veterans Treatment Courts in various areas of North Carolina.

Jordan Whichard, N.C. Department of Commerce Chief Deputy Secretary, spoke at the conference. “We salute our dedicated veterans representatives... who support veterans every day through individualized career services and making connections to employers and other partners,” he said.

The conference covered topics such as collaboration with other veterans programs, mental health, reentry, and careers in agriculture, with a special focus on serving Native American veterans. Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette, N.C. DMVA Secretary, addressed the importance of collaboration. “The Department is grateful for this relationship that allows us to combine resources to better serve our veterans and their families,” she said.

The federally funded veterans’ employment services originated with the Wagner-Peyser Act in 1933 and expanded significantly in the 1970s to assist returning Vietnam War veterans. The first conference took place in Goldsboro in 1975.

At this year’s conference, several NCWorks Career Center professionals received awards for excellence. Awards included the DAV Chapter 45 Award, the Innovation Award, the Innovation in Veterans Services Award, the Social Media “Influencer of the Year” Award, the Community Partnership Award, and the Resilience Recognition Award. Veterans and military spouses are encouraged to contact an NCWorks Career Center for more information on available services, which are accessible through the NCWorks Veterans Portal.

NCWorks Veterans Services are supported by the Jobs for Veterans State Grant from VETS of the U.S. Department of Labor, totaling $5,703,016.