Employment Security Department - Veteran Community & OFCCP Introductions

On November 3, 2023, Jennifer Fritzel, Regional Outreach Coordinator, met with Seth Maier, JVSG Coordinator, Hannah Schoepp, Statewide Veteran Employment Representative, Monique Martin, Program Support Specialist, from the Washington State Employment Security Department. Additional participants were Nikkol Wymer, Director, and Christina Vine, Assistant Director, of Veterans' Employment Services (VETS). Jennifer provided a through introduction and overview of OFCCP's mission and enforcement, to include the outreach efforts around the Sumas Mega Construction Project. Seth shared the current challenges for Veterans in Washington State are childcare, housing, and transportation. Washington ESD has a program in place called Yes Vets, which is similar to DOL-VETS Hire Medallion Program. Monique shared in White Salmon, WA, there's an organization called Insitu, that has shuttle buses to commute their workers from a far location. She recommended OFCCP reach out to Insitu to learn more about the transportation solution. The JVSG representatives would like to support OFCCP's outreach efforts to help recruit Veterans into apprenticeship programs in the construction industry. Jennifer highlighted an upcoming regional program during the week of apprenticeship. The ESD representatives were very interested in tuning into the webinar and sharing the program flyer within their networks.