Valued Voice

The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is seeking Wisconsin employers who hire and retain veterans for the Vets Ready Employer Initiative. This designation recognizes organizations that go above and beyond for the veteran workforce. Hospitals offer career advancement opportunities for community members and their incumbent employees, including service members. WHA encourages Wisconsin hospitals and health systems to pursue this award to promote hospital careers to veterans and their community, to help separating service members and veterans, and to gain access to DWD resources and connections to community partners.

Vets Ready honors organizations across the state that hire and retain veterans, build veteran support systems and connect with veterans in the community. It also helps employers attract and retain veteran talent. Applications are open now through July 18, 2025.

This annual award grants gold or silver certificates to businesses that support veterans and their families. DWD promotes employers that receive Vets Ready recognition to veteran job seekers and community partners. Last year, DWD recognized a record 22 Vets Ready employers.

DWD partners with organizations including the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, the Disabled American Veterans Department of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce, the Wisconsin American Legion, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

To apply:

1. Login to the Job Center of Wisconsin as an employer.
2. Hover on the "Employers" menu to get the sub-menu.
3. Click on My Company Information.
4. Click on Manage "Vets Ready Employer Applications" to begin the application process.

Learn more at the Vets Ready website and contact VetsReady@dwd.wisconsin.gov or your local veterans employment representative with Vets Ready questions.

You can contact WHA Senior Vice President Workforce and Clinical Practice Ann Zenk about this or any other workforce issue.