Veterans Connect with Employers at Seaford Job Fair

Delaware Job Fair Connects Veterans with Career Opportunities

Veterans across the Delaware region gathered in Seaford on Thursday for a Veteran and Community Job Fair designed to bridge the gap between military service and civilian employment. The event, co-hosted by the Delaware Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, brought together more than 20 employers from diverse sectors including education, healthcare, automotive, transportation, and state government agencies.

The job fair provided veterans with direct access to recruiters and hiring managers, allowing them to explore employment opportunities while gaining insights into available career resources. For many attendees, the event represented more than just a chance to find work—it was a powerful reminder of continued community support.

Community Support Remains Strong

Veteran Desiree Aurillo expressed gratitude for the ongoing support shown to those who have served. She described the gathering as inspiring, noting that seeing so many people come together to help veterans demonstrated that the community still cares about their wellbeing and success in civilian life.

The importance of these connections cannot be overstated. According to U.S. Department of Labor data, approximately 5.4% of Delaware veterans were unemployed and actively seeking work in 2023, representing roughly 2,000 veterans statewide who need employment assistance.

Employers Committed to Veteran Hiring

Darrell Jones, representing the Lake Forest School District at the fair, emphasized that veterans deserve opportunities to continue serving their communities after leaving military service.

The event reflected a growing recognition among employers that veterans bring valuable skills to the civilian workforce, including discipline, accountability, and extensive job experience gained through military service.

Addressing Transition Challenges

Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander Thomas Phippin highlighted a critical challenge facing many transitioning service members: inadequate preparation for civilian life. He pointed out that while the military trains personnel for combat, it often provides little guidance on returning to civilian employment.

The military trains us to go to war; they never train us to come home.

Phippin explained that the job fair aimed to connect veteran-friendly employers with candidates who possess the discipline, experience, and accountability that civilian employers value. Beyond immediate job placement, the event also provided veterans with access to long-term career development resources to support their professional growth beyond the initial transition period.

Organizers encouraged veterans to come prepared with resumes and to take full advantage of the networking opportunities available at the fair, emphasizing that building relationships with employers and understanding available resources are key steps toward successful employment in the civilian sector.

This article is based on reporting by WBOC TV.