CANTON -- A new state initiative called “Experience Counts” could help North Country veterans transfer military service into certifications for civilian jobs, according to the St. Lawrence Career Center.

The initiative will allow career center staff to match veterans to more than 8,000 available security guard positions in the state, center staffers said.

The newest component of the program will certify veterans to become licensed armed security guards through an on-site training program.

“As we see our service men and women returning, we must ensure the highest level of services greet them at home. And that begins with jobs,” said state Labor Commissioner Peter Rivera.

The “Experience Counts” initiative, which began in 2011, directs some state agencies that license professionals to grant credit for military experience toward civilian credentials.

The original program gave access to Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) for veterans by waiving the road test and all associated fees for military members with recent experience driving trucks and heavy equipment.

Occupations include bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks, certified nursing assistants, computer support specialists and security guards.

The program is free to veterans and available at the St. Lawrence Career Center, 80 State Highway 310 Suite 8, Canton. For information call the center at 386-3414.