Veterans can often use military experience as a starting point for a civilian career, but additional training may be helpful when entering a new industry or learning skills for a different type of job.
Several programs can help eligible Veterans with career planning, vocational training, apprenticeships, certifications, on-the-job training, and other employment services. VA education benefits can also be used for certain approved training programs, while the Department of Labor and American Job Centers provide employment and training services to Veterans.
Who May Qualify for Veteran Job Training
Depending on the program, assistance may be available to:
- Veterans transitioning to civilian employment
- Recently separated service members
- Veterans looking for a career change
- Veterans who need new job skills
- Veterans with service-connected disabilities
- Veterans interested in apprenticeships
- Veterans pursuing professional certifications
- Veterans seeking technical or vocational training
- Veterans interested in technology careers
- Eligible spouses in certain programs
Each program has its own eligibility requirements. Some are based on military service and discharge status, while others may consider disability, education benefits, employment status, or the type of training.
Check What You May Qualify For
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Programs vary based on your military service, location, career goals, disability status, and education benefits.
Types of Veteran Job Training Programs
- VA Veteran Readiness and Employment. Veteran Readiness and Employment, or VR&E, can help eligible Veterans and service members with service-connected disabilities explore employment options and obtain education or training when needed. Depending on the person's situation, VR&E can provide job training, resume development, career counseling, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, education, and assistance finding and keeping employment.
- GI Bill training programs. Eligible Veterans may be able to use GI Bill benefits for approved education and training programs. Options can include college programs, vocational schools, certificates, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. GI Bill benefits can also provide payments toward living expenses during certain approved training programs.
- VET TEC 2.0. VET TEC 2.0 provides eligible Veterans and service members with access to certain non-college-degree training in high-demand technology fields. Current approved areas include computer programming, software, data processing, information sciences, and media applications. The program has a limited number of paid participant openings each fiscal year.
- Apprenticeships and on-the-job training. Veterans may be able to use eligible VA education benefits for approved apprenticeships and on-the-job training. These programs allow participants to develop practical skills while working. The Department of Labor also provides apprenticeship and employment resources specifically for Veterans and transitioning service members.
- American Job Centers. American Job Centers provide free employment and training assistance throughout the United States. Veterans receive priority of service in qualified Department of Labor-funded employment and training programs. Services can include career planning, job referrals, training information, and assistance connecting military skills with civilian careers.
- Career counseling. Veterans and certain eligible family members may qualify for free educational and career counseling through VA programs. Counseling can help identify career goals, training options, and ways to use available education benefits.
How Veteran Job Training Assistance Typically Works
- Identify your career goal. Decide whether you want to continue in your military occupation or move into a new field.
- Review your VA benefits. Check whether you have GI Bill, VR&E, or other education and training benefits.
- Compare training programs. Look at vocational schools, certifications, apprenticeships, community colleges, and approved technology programs.
- Check American Job Centers. Local workforce centers can provide free employment and training assistance.
- Verify program approval. Make sure a training program is approved before assuming your VA benefits will cover it.
- Apply for the appropriate benefit. Each program has its own application and eligibility process.