Veteran jobless rate in Utah among lowest in nation

Veteran jobless rate in Utah among lowest in nation

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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s robust economy has been especially strong for state job seekers, with the overall unemployment rate hovering around 3.1 percent for several months.

But for one group of Utahns, the employment picture has been especially prosperous.

New data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate the 2016 jobless rate for Utah military veterans came in at 2.3 percent, ranking the Beehive State as one of the top five states for veteran employment in the country.

Since 2011, the national veteran jobless rate fell from 8.1 percent to the current rate, 4.3 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Current Population Survey.

For Murray resident Frank Luthy, 35, finding gainful employment was initially a challenge for the 10-year Army veteran after leaving the military in 2012.

After receiving a degree in information technology management from Boise State University, the single father of three children moved to Utah from Idaho at the behest of this father, who lived here and was aware of the state’s strong job market.

“I moved down here in October and was looking for jobs but didn’t have a whole lot of luck,” Luthy explained.

In search of help, he went to the Department of Workforce Services to inquire about resources and his resume.

“First thing (the employment counselor) did was looked it over and said, ‘The information is great, but the formatting is awful,’” Luthy said.

After making some changes, there were immediate results, he said.

“As soon as I changed (the formatting), I started getting job leads,” he said.

A few weeks later, he took a job with the state Department of Technology Services.


“As soon as I changed (my resume formatting), I started getting job leads.” - Frank Luthy

“I’m loving it,” Luthy said enthusiastically. He credited the Department of Workforce Services and Veterans and Military Affairs for helping land a job he really enjoys.

“If you have the skills, the Department of Workforce Services will help hook you up,” he said. “If you need the skills, they will help get you where you want to go.”

Last year, the Utah Department of Workforce Services served 2,530 veterans, according to agency data.

“In Utah we take seriously our obligations to those who have served our country diligently in military service,” Gov. Gary Herbert said. “Among the best ways to show our appreciation is by assisting these individuals in finding meaningful employment that takes advantage of their leadership experience and skills.”

Related

Statewide, the Department of Workforce Services reported that 255 veterans were placed in employment last year through programming that provided training, education or resources to help veterans transition from military to civilian employment.

“We have amazing men and women who serve our country and come back ready to contribute in the workplace, and a community of committed employers who recognize that veterans make terrific employees,” said Gary Harter, executive director of the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs.

Supportive services

Harter acknowledged that more work could be done, and this unemployment rate was indicative of the various programs and opportunities the Beehive State has developed for military service members, veterans and their families.

The Department of Workforce Services works closely with Veterans and Military Affairs to ensure supportive services are available to Utah’s veterans, explained the department's executive director, Jon Pierpont.

The services include specialized workshops, programs that help connect military training skills to private sector occupations and proactive efforts to reach veterans who are currently receiving unemployment insurance, he said.

“We have put a big emphasis on helping Utah veterans find employment,” Pierpont said. “It has taken the collaboration of employers and veterans alike to make this happen.”

Job fair

To that end, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is hosting the Hiring Utah’s Heroes Job Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at the South Towne Expo Center in Sandy.

With approximately 90 Utah employers participating, the event is free and open to National Guard and reserve service members, along with active duty military members, veterans and military family members. Visit veterans.utah.gov for more information.

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Jasen Lee

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