North Carolina Pushes for Veteran Employment Recognition
In a concerted effort to bolster employment opportunities for veterans, North Carolina officials are calling on businesses to participate in the HIRE Vets Medallion Award program, a federal initiative recognizing companies committed to hiring and retaining veterans. With an application deadline set for April 30, 2026, the state is aiming to further increase its record number of award recipients.
The HIRE Vets Medallion Award, overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor, is the sole federal accolade that acknowledges organizations for their dedication to veteran employment and development. In 2025, a notable 34 businesses in North Carolina received this prestigious recognition, surpassing the 28 awarded in 2024.
Governor Josh Stein remarked on the state’s dedication, stating, “The record number of HIRE Vets awardees from North Carolina in 2025 represents the commitment of this state’s employers to support our military community. As we strive to be the most military-friendly state, this program is an excellent way for North Carolina’s businesses to demonstrate their eagerness to provide high-quality career opportunities for talented veterans and their families.”
The North Carolina Department of Commerce has innovated by showcasing award-winning employers online through the NCWorks job search platform and its Veterans Portal. Accessible at veterans.ncworks.gov, this portal aids veterans in finding job listings from recognized companies. In 2025 alone, over 21,000 users visited the portal.
Addressing the need for skilled talent, the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships, established in 2025, emphasizes the inclusion of veterans and their families. The council seeks to enhance workforce development through strategic partnerships across various sectors.
Lee Lilley, Secretary of the N.C. Department of Commerce, highlighted the importance of veteran contributions, saying, “By investing in our military veterans community, North Carolina’s employers are expanding access to workforce opportunities for veterans and assisting in the transition to civilian life.”
Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette from the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs added, “North Carolina veterans and military families bring leadership, adaptability, and resilience to the workplace every day, which is why we recently launched a roadshow series to bring together employers, workforce leaders, and community partners to strengthen veteran and military-spouse employment opportunities.”
The criteria for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award involve several factors, including veteran hiring practices, retention rates, and resources offered for veteran development. Application fees vary based on company size, with large employers charged $640, medium-sized $250, and small businesses $120.
Among the recognized organizations is the Charlotte-based nonprofit, Veterans Bridge Home. Its President and CEO, Blake Bourne, stated, “At Veterans Bridge Home, we are committed to connecting, leading, and advocating in communities to ensure service members, veterans, and their families thrive. We are proud to be a recipient of the Platinum HIRE Vets award and to champion the value veterans bring both to our organization and to others.”
The N.C. Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Labor, employs 48 NCWorks Veterans Services professionals, all veterans themselves, to assist others in finding employment and training opportunities across the state.
For further details and to apply for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award Program, visit www.HireVets.gov. Additional resources are available at NCWorks Career Centers, with information accessible at www.NCWorks.gov.
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