Latest report from Bureau of Labor Statistics show Utah’s jobless rate for veterans at 2.9 percent

According to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Utah’s 2017 veteran unemployment rate was 2.9 percent, ranking Utah as one of only 12 states to be below 3.0 percent.

“Focusing on veterans has always been a top priority for our department,” said Jon Pierpont, executive director of the Department of Workforce Services. “We proudly serve those who have served in the military with several key programs to help them transition into their next job and find a fulfilling career.” More...

In the state of Utah, there are hundreds of individuals in the Department of Workforce Services dedicated to helping veterans access resources for employment and assistance programs. Employees of Workforce Services have helped numerous veterans find employment, but a few were honored at this year's veterans conference for going above and beyond to help a veteran in need.

Each year five individuals are honored for their commitment and efforts in assisting veterans to the best of their ability. They spent countless hours helping them find the resources they needed, and for that reason the following individuals were honored with an Eagle Award.

This year’s Eagle Award winners are: More...

Utah’s jobless rate for veterans improved from 4.9 percent in 2014 to 2.6 percent in 2015, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) annual report. Only four other states had a lower rate than Utah.

“We are pleased to see the improved year-over veterans unemployment rate,” said Jon Pierpont, executive director at the Department of Workforce Services. “We are committed to implementing strategies that help all veterans obtain employment.”

Veterans labor force statistics are generated from BLS's monthly Current Population Survey.  Utah’s Workforce Services works closely with the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (VMA) to ensure supportive services are available to all veterans in Utah. These services to veterans include specialized workshops, programs that help apply skills obtained through military training to private sector occupations (the ACE program), and proactive outreach to veterans currently receiving unemployment insurance.

“Utah benefits from a strong partnership between multiple agencies collaborating to comprehensively serve veterans,” said Gary Harter, executive director of VMA. “We focus on supporting veterans, their family members, and those currently serving in the military to ensure they know of all the benefits available for them because of their service to our country.”

For more information about BLS data, visit http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/vet.pdf.

To learn more about veteran employment services, visit http://jobs.utah.gov/jobseeker/veteran.html.  Additional information about benefits and other services for veterans, visit http://veterans.utah.gov/.