YesVets Worksource Program

The local WorksSource program here in Kitsap County offers the YesVets program and has a dedicated Veterans Employment Representative. His mission as the Local Veterans’ Employment Representative for Kitsap County, and as part of the business services team is to work with employers and assist them in finding qualified veterans to help fill their employment needs.

We know veterans can be valuable assets to our local economy and community. As our local business leaders consider their hiring needs, my goal is to help them see the value in considering veterans first.

As job openings occur, I can assist businesses in finding that valued veteran employee, and at no additional cost. If a business is a federal contractor, I am sure you know about the requirement to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified covered veterans and individuals with disabilities (www.dol.gov/ofccp).  Utilizing the WorkSource system(s) www.WorkSourceWA.com helps in fulfilling this requirement.

Here are just some of the WorkSource programs that may benefit our local businesses:

• Upskilling current employees? WorkSource may have funds to help offset the cost. Training dollars may be available for current employees, employed a minimum of 6 months.
• Training dollars for eligible new employees: WorkSource also has on-the-job training funds for eligible new hires and offers the employer a partial wage reimbursement of up to $5,000 for qualified new hires.
• Work Opportunity Tax Credit is a federal tax credit available to employers for hiring individuals from certain target groups (qualified veterans) who meet one or more criteria at the time of hire.
• Apprenticeship programs
• YesVets Employer Recognition Program: The Employment Security Department, in partnership with the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Commerce, Washington State Military Transition Council, Washington State Society for Human Resource Management, and local chambers of commerce across the state, have partnered to create a statewide campaign to hire veterans and recognizes employers who show their commitment to veteran employment by hiring veterans into their workforce.

You can contact Marcus Lane in the Silverdale WorkSource center or give him a call at 360-516-1045. You can also send him an email at marcus.lane@esd.wa.gov 

The local WorkSource office has lots of resources to help employers as well as employees. If you need additional staff, consider giving them a call. Their services are free and they have many different programs available to help out.  Here is the direct link to the Employer section of the WorkSource website.