Retiring or separating from the military is a major life-change. To help veterans and those about to retire or separate from military service, the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) offers an extensive collection of transition resources to military members such as job placement, certifications, and adjusting to life in the civilian workforce.
VETS operates in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and offers resources to help veterans start/continue careers or set up new businesses. VETS main focus with the DOL is finding employment for veterans and service members.
What Does VETS Do?
The VETS official site acts as a clearinghouse for services aimed at those separating from military service. There is a job board administered by CareerOneStop.org, as well as a variety of training resources. In addition, the VETS site also offers help for veterans in finding local, one-on-one assistance through American Job Centers. Job seekers can search their local area by zip code on the “Find Local Help” page.
VETS also features a page for employers who want to hire veterans. Additionally, VETS protects the employment rights of service members and veterans. The DOL currently has 2,400 American Job Centers that provide job services to all veterans.
VETS Programs and Services
- Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) – The purpose of HVRP is to provide services to assist in reintegrating homeless veterans into meaningful employment.
- Transition Assistance Program – The VETS site features a gateway for transitioning service members who need to access Transition Assistance Program (TAP). VETS also has dedicated resources just for women veterans.
- Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) – If you are a newly separated service member, you should become familiar with USERRA. This section will inform you of your rights if you left a civilian job to serve in uniform. Do you think that your rights have been violated? This section of VETS has essential information, including how to file a claim under USERRA.
Veterans Job Matcher
The Veterans Job Matcher is one of the most helpful resources for transitioning service members. The Job Matcher allows you to search by military occupation code or by keyword. For example, a search for “dental assistant” will show a description of the job and offer a list of resources for civilian certification and matches your military-related skills to a civilian career.
Jim spent 22 years on active duty, climbing the ranks from Airman Basic to a decorated Air Force Major. Stationed all over the world, he held many high-level posts, including Chief of Foreign Military Sales at the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Jim earned his Ph.D. through the Montgomery Era GI Bill and spent 13 years teaching African Studies in Pennsylvania. Jim is also an award-winning travel writer.
