Sonoran Desert Institute Receives 2023 HIRE Vets Medallion Award from the U.S. Department of Labor

[11/21/23] – U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie A. Su recognized Sonoran Desert Institute (listed as Trade Training Company, LLC.) as one of the 859 recipients of the 2023 HIRE Vets Medallion Award during a virtual award ceremony presented by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) earned the gold award after applying earlier this year. The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act (HIRE Vets Act) Medallion Program is the only federal award program that recognizes employers who successfully recruit, hire, and retain veterans.

Speaking on the importance of this recognition, Walter Howard, Director of Military and Veteran Services at SDI, had this to say, “Applying for the HIRE Vets Medallion provides another avenue for SDI to demonstrate our support for the military-connected community by employing and retaining our veterans. Furthermore, we understand the excellent skills, experience, and work ethic they bring to our organization, and the HIRE Vets Medallion provides us with an opportunity to stand out amongst many employers competing to hire veterans.”

SDI joins 858 other companies from 49 states, plus the District of Columbia, who have shown a commitment to hiring veterans, but also ensuring that they have a long-term career and growth plan that uses the diverse skills they acquired through their military service.

Recipients of the 2023 HIRE Vets Medallion Award meet rigorous employment and veteran integration assistance criteria, including veteran hiring and retention percentages; availability of veteran-specific resources; leadership programming for veterans; dedicated human resource efforts; pay compensation, and tuition assistance programs for veterans. More than 1,600 employers have earned a HIRE Vets Medallion Award since 2018.

About SDI

SDI is a distance learning institute, which means students enjoy the benefits of flexible online learning and access to experienced staff without having to travel or relocate. SDI provides the materials, instruction, and support to help students succeed.

The SDI Military & Veteran Services department assists students in achieving academic, personal, and professional success. They provide advocacy and support for our military-connected students by offering outreach, student-engagement, and personalized assistance.

For more information on how SDI assists and empowers veterans all over the country, go to https://sdi.edu/military/.

About the HIRE Vets Medallion Program

The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is earned by businesses that demonstrate an unparalleled commitment to attracting, hiring, and retaining veterans. The 2023 HIRE Vets Medallion Award application period will open to employers on Jan. 31, 2024. For more information about the program and the application process, visit HIREVets.gov.

There are different awards for large employers (500-plus employees), medium employers (51–499 employees), and small employers (50 or fewer employees). Additionally, there are two award tiers: Platinum and Gold.

Work with SDI

SDI prides itself on assisting veterans to learn the skills and techniques they need to be successful in and out of the classroom. If you want to join us in helping our student-veterans, click here to apply today!

For all questions regarding enrollment, course, and program information, contact Admissions,
EMAIL: admissions@sdi.edu
PHONE: 480-999-4767

For questions about Military and Veteran Services,
EMAIL: mvs@sdi.edu
PHONE: 800-336-8939 Ext. 7

Other questions? Contact Marketing,
EMAIL: marketing@sdi.edu
PHONE: 602-903-4907