Veterans Hiring Summit at Rowan College at Burlington County April 26

Rowan College at Burlington County will host a summit intended to help eliminate barriers veterans face when seeking work.

The Heroes2Hire Summit is set for Tuesday, April 26 in the Enterprise Center on the college’s Mount Laurel Campus at 300 College Circle Drive, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., the college announced on Monday.

Lt. Gov Kim Guadagno will be a featured guest at the summit which is being held in conjunction with the college’s Workforce Development Institute, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), Higher Ed Assist and the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

“The least we can do for all of those who sacrifice many of their best years to protect our nation, is to present them with the best resources and opportunities that we have so that they can achieve their career goals and support themselves and their families in civilian life,” Guadagno said. “It is efforts like those put forward by Heroes2Hire that help to remind our veterans that their sacrifices are appreciated and that we, as a community, are here for them when return.”

Congressmen Tom MacArthur, R-3, and Donald Norcross, D-1, who have worked together in a number of bipartisan initiatives to benefit veterans and their families, especially those at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, will deliver opening remarks.

"With 65,000 veterans in the Third Congressional District, I am especially concerned that we help create good paying jobs for the men and women who served our country, and have now moved into the civilian sector," MacArthur said. "Our veterans are some of the most highly trained workers in America, yet many find only part time work, while others find no work at all upon their return. I'm proud to join Heroes2Hire for this important event to ensure that service to our nation does not mean a lifetime of financial struggle."

“Our brave military men and women risk their lives every day in defense of our country. When they come home from their active duty service, it becomes our duty to ensure they can smoothly transition into a rewarding career. That requires partnerships like Hereoes2Hire, which can connect these highly skilled American heroes to companies that value their diligence and commitment to getting the job done,” Norcross said.

The summit will inclued breakout sessions titled, “Read Between the Lines,” “Ten Reasons to Hire Military Personnel,” “Employer Best Practices” and “A Service Member Perspective.”

“Burlington County is home to the largest veteran population in New Jersey,” said Burlington County Freeholder Ryan Peters, who served multiple tours overseas as a Navy Seal. “Events like Heroes2Hire demonstrate our commitment to providing all those who have served our nation in uniform with the tools that they need to continue to succeed once they have returned home. As more and more of us return from active duty deployments around the world today, the struggles facing our veterans are changing and we must adapt to meet these changes.”

“Rowan College at Burlington County has always been committed to helping the military transition to civilian employment, which is a major focus of our Workforce Development Institute,” Rowan College at Burlington County President Paul Drayton said. “This seminar will present a different perspective on the challenges veterans face navigating the employment process and will be educational to all who are responsible for the hiring process. Even companies that have great track records in hiring veterans will learn something new.”

Rowan College at Burlington County has been designated a 2016 Military Friendly School by Victory Media, the leader in successfully connecting the military and civilian worlds, and publisher of G.I. Jobs, STEM JobsSM and Military Spouse.

Now in its seventh year, the original, premier Military Friendly Schools designation provides service members and their families with transparent, data-driven ratings about post-military education and career opportunities.

“One of the core issues of our service members seeking civilian employment is translating battlefield experiences to civilian terms. This incredible initiative launched by a great partnership will be the saving grace for many,” New Jersey Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve State Chair Don Tretola said.

Business leaders, including human resources directors, are invited to attend this free event. RSVP at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hiring-military-bridging-the-gap-between-military-employer-personnel-tickets-21691816808.

For more information on the summit, contact Janice Livanos atjanlivanos@gmail.com.