Today’s career expo attracted more than 300 new veterans to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and was part of the Heroes Work Here initiative. Veterans also had the opportunity to attend a special networking session and hear from Disney executives who served in the U.S. Armed Services about transitioning military skill sets into the private sector.

Heroes Work Here reflects The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to provide at least 1,000 jobs and career opportunities for returning U.S. veterans over the next three years. It also includes support of organizations that assist veterans and their families during their transition to civilian life, and the launch of a national public awareness campaign to encourage employers across the U.S. to hire veterans.

In the days just before the expo at Walt Disney World Resort, similar expos in Burbank, Calif., and New York City also attracted hundreds of new veterans and helped them develop job-seeking skills.

With more than one million service members projected to leave the military between 2011 and 2016, the need to support military families with initiatives like Heroes Work Here is growing. New Veterans have proven to be an excellent match when they transition from military service to a career with Disney.

The Walt Disney Company was founded by two World War I veterans-Walt Disney and Roy Disney- and love for country and support for the U.S. Armed Forces is a long-standing Disney tradition.

This year approximately 250 veterans have been hired to join various divisions of The Walt Disney Company, including Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, ESPN and Disney Consumer Products.

All those who served in the U.S. military are invited to learn more about Disney’s veteran hiring initiative and explore career opportunities at Disney by visiting http://HeroesWorkHere.disney.com/

The post More Than 300 Veterans Participate in Disney Career Expo as Part of Heroes Work Here appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 13, 2012 – Today at The Walt Disney Company’s (NYSE: DIS) Annual Shareholder meeting in Kansas City, President and Chief Executive Officer Robert A. Iger announced Heroes Work Here, a new company-wide initiative to hire, train and support returning veterans. The new program continues Disney’s long history of respect and appreciation for the U.S. Armed Forces by expanding the company’s commitment to recognize and honor the sacrifice and service of these men and women.

As part of the initiative, Disney will provide at least 1,000 jobs and career opportunities for returning U.S. veterans over the next three years, support military families and veterans during their transition into civilian life, and launch a national public awareness campaign to encourage all employers across the U.S. to hire veterans.

In addition to providing career opportunities for veterans, Disney will also invest in select non-profit organizations that provide training and other support services.  Through the Disney VoluntEARS program, employees will also engage in service projects with veterans’ organizations in communities around the country. The public awareness campaign, featuring veterans currently employed in various businesses across The Walt Disney Company, will highlight their value, encourage companies to hire these highly skilled men and women, and direct them to the Joining Forces initiative for more information.

Mr. Iger debuted the first spot at the conference, which can be viewed here:   http://di.sn/HeroesWorkHere

“As a new generation of America’s military men and women transition into civilian life, we are increasing our commitment and support for these modern day heroes,” said Mr. Iger.  “It’s a measure of our respect for how much they have sacrificed on our behalf, and our sincere gratitude for their extraordinary contributions to this country.”

He added, “The military values of honor, integrity, commitment, and courage, along with the skills and experience they’ve gained through their service, make veterans incredibly valuable employees for any company.”

Heroes Work Here includes recruitment efforts across all segments of The Walt Disney Company, including ESPN, the Disney-ABC Television Group, Disney Consumer Products, The Walt Disney Studios, and Disney Parks and Resorts. The company will host career fairs and participate in events designed to showcase opportunities for returning military personnel.

Information about Heroes Work Here and available positions for veterans can be found at a dedicated section of the Disney Careers Website.

The post Disney Announces Heroes Work Here – a Company-Wide Initiative To Hire, Train and Support Military Veterans appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.