WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate has approved Mike Michaud for an administration post to help veterans seeking training and jobs.

President Barack Obama announced in July the nomination of Michaud to be assistant secretary for veterans’ employment and training at the U.S. Department of Labor.

Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King on Thursday announced he had been approved.

Michaud was a candidate for governor in 2014 and a ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs during his 12 years in Congress, between 2003 and 2012.

He also served as a Maine state senator from 1994 to 2002 and was Senate president in 2000 and 2001. Before becoming a senator, Michaud was a state representative for 14 years.