A new website is working to connect veterans looking for Florida jobs with employers who have jobs for veterans.

State officials recently unveiled Employ Florida Vets, an online job search portal meant to help veterans find meaningful work. The site helps match military members with the jobs and training opportunities that fit the skills and experience they gained in the military.

"Our courageous veterans are proven, skilled leaders whose integrity and discipline have helped protect the freedoms and opportunities we all enjoy," Gov. Charlie Crist said. "Employ Florida Vets is the latest example of our commitment to provide the men and women who defended our nation and now call Florida home with enhanced opportunities to find jobs and access training and other resources that will help them be successful in their civilian careers."

Employ Florida Vets is a joint venture among Workforce Florida Inc., the Agency for Workforce Innovation, and Florida's 24 Regional Workforce Boards. The site was developed through a series of focus group meetings with veterans.

Some highlights of the new job searching website include:

• A unique job searching function that helps veterans find civilian jobs that match the skills they learned in the military.
• Information and advice about writing resumes and finding apprenticeships and jobs suited to their military experience.
• Information about Florida laws that give hiring preference to veterans who apply for public-sector jobs.
• Information about tax incentives for businesses and organizations throughout Florida that hire veterans.
• A centralized job board for employers who want to hire veterans with specialized skills.
• Employers can post jobs through Employ Florida Vets or through their local One-Stop Career Center.

In addition to Employ Florida Vets, the state's One-Stop Career Centers offer many resources for veterans, including specialized Local Veterans' Employment Representatives and Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program staff who can provide referrals.

During 2009, the 92 One-Stop Career Centers throughout Florida served more than 100,000 veterans, more than 10,000 of whom had recently separated from the Armed Forces.

Florida also has seven regional advocates that help connect military spouses and dependents with new training and employment opportunities through the Military Family Employment Advocacy Program.

Labels: florida jobs, Jobs for veterans