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OLYMPIA – Employment Security Commissioner Paul Trause visited Thompson Metal Fab in Vancouver today to honor the company for its record of recruiting and hiring military veterans.

The Hire-A-Vet Award was presented to the metal fabrication company’s president, John Rudi.

“Thompson Metal Fab has risen to the challenge of hiring our state’s veterans,” said Trause.  “It’s an example we hope more Washington businesses will follow.”

Veterans make up 11 percent of Thompson Metal Fab’s total workforce, which constructs products for a wide range of industrial uses, including oil and gas, marine and hydro, renewable energy, and other high-tech industries. The company gives veterans a preference in its hiring process and has six veterans in senior leadership roles.

“The military is the one of the best leadership training programs in the world. Veterans know how to work hard, take direction and get the job done,” Rudi said.

Employment Security created the Hire-A-Vet Award in 2006 as a way to call attention to the large number of unemployed veterans in Washington and to recognize companies with a good track record of hiring veterans.

Employers who are interested in hiring veterans, and veterans who are looking for work, should visit their local WorkSource center or call 800-562-2308 for information.

WorkSource is a statewide partnership of Employment Security, local workforce development councils, other state and local agencies, colleges and nonprofit organizations that work together to provide employment and training services to job seekers and employers. 

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WorkSource employment website for job seekers: www.go2worksource.com 
WorkSource employment website for employers: www.go2worksource.biz

Broadcast version

The Washington Employment Security Department has presented Thompson Metal Fab in Vancouver with a Hire-A-Vet Award.

The award honors companies that show a strong commitment to hiring military veterans.

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