North Carolina Construction News staff writer
North Carolina employers that hire veterans can apply for recognition with a HIRE Vets Medallion Award, a U.S. Department of Labor program that recognizes an employer’s commitment to veteran employment.
One employer recognized by the program is Atriax, a service-disabled veteran-owned architecture and engineering firm based in Hickory. Founded in 2001 by two retired Air Force veterans, Atriax serves the local area as well as the Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the US Air Force.
“Atriax is honored to receive the Gold-level HIRE Vets Medallion Award this year,” said Edward H. Henson, the President of Atriax and an Air Force veteran. “We are totally committed to supporting our nation’s veteran heroes. Veterans are the leadership and backbone of our company and our country. They answered America’s call to serve. Supporting them in their post-service careers is a privilege and an honor.”
Applications will be accepted until Apr. 30, 2023.
“As America’s most military-friendly state, North Carolina is working hard to connect our veterans with good jobs, and the HIRE Vets program is a great way for companies to demonstrate their support for these brave service members,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “All businesses can benefit from employing veterans, just as our state benefits from their continuing service.”
HIRE Vets medallions are a federal-level veterans’ employment awards program that recognize an employer’s commitment to veteran hiring, retention and professional development. In 2022, 27 North Carolina companies received a HIRE Vets Medallion Award.
The N.C. department of commerce highlights employers that have received the HIRE Vets medallion award on the state’s NCWorks job search portal and on the NCWorks Veterans Portal.
“As our ‘first in talent’ economic development plan emphasizes, the talent found in our military veteran population is an asset for North Carolina,” said N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “The HIRE Vets program provides an opportunity for North Carolina employers to stand out as they compete to recruit veterans, who can bring with them excellent skills, training, experience, work ethic and leadership.”
The award program is based on several criteria, ranging from veteran hiring and retention to providing veteran-specific resources, leadership programming, dedicated human resources, and compensation and tuition assistance programs – with requirements varying for large, medium, and small employers.
To learn more visit www.HireVets.gov.