Fermilab receives 2019 HIRE Vets Gold Medallion Award

From left: Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service Deputy Assistant Secretary Sam Shellenberger, Fermilab Talent Acquisition, Diversity and Inclusion Manager Sandra Charles and Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service Chief of Staff Jon VanderPlas. Photo: U.S. Department of Labor

The U.S. Department of Labor has named Fermilab a 2019 HIRE Vets Gold Medallion Award recipient. The award recognizes job creators who demonstrate a strong commitment to recruiting, hiring and retaining the nation’s veterans.

On Nov. 6, Fermilab Talent Acquisition, Diversity and Inclusion Manager Sandra Charles attended an award ceremony on behalf of Fermilab at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C.

Based on the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act of 2017, or HIRE Vets Act, the Secretary of Labor established a program, by rule, that recognizes employer efforts to recruit, employ and retain veterans. The Medallion Award recognizes employer-applicants who meet the criteria established in the rule.

Award criteria are based partly on the percentage of employees who are veterans, provision of an employee veteran organization or resource group, and provision of programs to enhance the leadership skills of veteran employees.

By meeting the criteria required for a Gold Medallion Award, Fermilab demonstrates recognition of the value veterans bring to the workplace.

View a video of the award ceremony.

Fermilab is a DOE national laboratory funded by the Office of Science.