The Virginia Values Veterans Program (V3) has successfully connected over 2,000 employers with service members and their families to help them transition into the workforce. Since its launch in 2012, the program has aided more than 90,000 veterans and military families, highlighting the desirable skill sets of veterans, such as problem-solving abilities and discipline, to potential employers. The program began with 63 employers and has since grown significantly, with both small and large companies, including recent addition Walmart, supporting the initiative. V3 offers a variety of opportunities, including the Hire Vets Now Fellowship, programs to reimagine workforce culture, and resources for obtaining additional licenses and certifications. The program’s success and future plans will be celebrated at the 2022 Virginia Veterans & Military Affairs Conference.
Introduction
From Richmond Times-Dispatch By Lyndon German
The Virginia Values Veterans Program
More than 2,000 employers have committed to helping service members and their families enter the workforce through the Virginia Values Veterans, or V3, program.
“There’s a serious talent war going on right now, and we think our program illustrates that veterans can be part of the solution,” said Daniel Gade, the program’s commissioner.
Success Stories of the V3 Program
Gade began working as the head of V3 on Jan. 15 after being appointed to the position by Gov. Glenn Youngkin. As companies like Boeing and DroneUp come to Virginia, so do opportunities for veterans, he said.
V3 has helped more than 90,000 veterans and military families since its 2012 launch. The program and others like it are a crucial pipeline to getting military veterans into the civilian workforce. The typical veteran skill set — from problem-solving abilities to discipline — is seen as highly desirable.
The Virginia program started with 63 employers representing more than 50 companies at a conference. In the 10 years since they’ve had success with bringing both small and large employers into the ranks.
Expansion and Partnerships
Just this year, they welcomed Walmart as a certified partner and held a celebratory welcome at the Glen Allen store at 11400 West Broad St.
“I think our biggest win this year has been getting Walmart,” said Jasmine Gore, V3’s program manager.
Gore has served V3 for seven years and is also a Hopewell City Council member. She said although recruiting large companies bolster’s the program’s mission, V3 has spent years recruiting all manner of business through word-of-mouth and innovative strategies.
Program Offerings and Initiatives
Among those opportunities include V3’s Hire Vets Now Fellowship, which provides job training and skills certifications for people about to leave military service, and allows them to experience different industries and career paths once they’ve ceased active duty.
V3 also offers programs designed to help reimagine workforce culture and increase employee retention and advancements, as well as provide options to acquire additional licenses and certifications.
Companies that take part are educated and trained on recruiting and retaining veterans.
Future Plans and Celebrations
As V3 prepares for its annual celebration at 2022 Virginia Veterans & Military Affairs Conference on Sept. 14, Cade said he’s excited to share just how successful V3 has been this year.
“We are committed to helping veterans thrive and to get them into careers that are meaningful,” said Cade. “The way we help veterans thrive and to get them into careers that are meaningful … not just jobs but careers that make Virginia even stronger.”
Question & Answer
1. How many employers has the Virginia Values Veterans Program connected with service members and their families?
Over 2,000 employers have been successfully connected with service members and their families through the Virginia Values Veterans Program.
2. How many veterans and military families have been helped by the V3 program since its launch in 2012?
More than 90,000 veterans and military families have been aided by the V3 program since its launch in 2012.
3. What are some of the desirable skill sets of veterans that are highlighted to potential employers by the V3 program?
The V3 program highlights desirable skill sets of veterans such as problem-solving abilities and discipline to potential employers.
Related Posts
