CAMP LEJEUNE -- A new initiative from the governor's office will help veterans find jobs in our state. On Thursday, Gov. Pat McCrory visited Camp Lejeune to announced the NC Military Pipeline pilot program.
It's a tool veterans can use to connect with employers, and vice-versa.
"We want veterans. We want veterans to choose to work and raise a family in North Carolina," said McCrory. "No matter where they come from. Because they have the leadership skills to become the next generation of industry and civic leaders, including, the next governor."
McCrory said in the next year, North Carolina will see more than 27,000 service members leave the military.
"I see that as an opportunity," he said.
The NC Military Pipeline is not just for veterans, however. It also is helping McCrory recruit more industry to the state and connecting employers with potential employees.
"No matter who we're recruiting, whether it's healthcare, whether it's IT, whether it's any type of manufacturing, the big question is--do you have the talent to fill the jobs that we need? And that's where the military's going to help us fill that gap," McCrory said.
Sgt. Aaron Houran was one of the first veterans to test the online program. He is separating from the military in July and said it can be a nerve-wracking process to leave the military.
"There's definitely nerves. You don't know exactly what the next step is going to be," Houran said.
However, all that changed this week when Houran secured a job with Pender County Corrections, using the pipeline.
"It's a great weight off my shoulder," he said, adding that the site was easy to use.
"I was able to look into the employers, read about them, so I was at least two steps ahead, just going in to the whole process," Houran said.
To find out more about the NC Military Pipeline, visit https://ncmilitarypipeline.com/