Employers in North Carolina who hire veterans can now apply for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award.

The HIRE Vets medallions are the only federal-level veteran’s employment awards that recognize an organization’s commitment to veteran hiring, professional development and retention according to a press release from the office of Gov. Roy Cooper.

“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,” Cooper said. “All businesses can benefit from employing veterans, just as our state benefits from their continuing service.”

Twenty-seven North Carolina companies received this recognition in 2022.

The N.C. Department of Commerce created a first-of-its-kind job portal from NC Works called the N.C. Works Veteran Portal. It helps veterans in North Carolina find jobs that are currently advertising according to the press release.

“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 application period for this award runs through April 30, 2023.