Career & Employment Support services provided by the VA assist veterans in transitioning to civilian employment, enhancing their job skills, and pursuing new career paths. The VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program, also known as Chapter 31, offers support to veterans with service-connected disabilities that impact their ability to work.
Through VR&E, eligible veterans receive personalized counseling, training, education, and job placement services. The program focuses on helping veterans prepare for, find, and maintain suitable employment, or achieve maximum independence in daily living if employment is not currently feasible.
Services include vocational evaluation, career exploration, resume development, interview preparation, job-seeking skills coaching, and assistance with accommodations or adaptive equipment. The VR&E program also provides support for higher education or technical training necessary for the desired career path.
For veterans interested in entrepreneurship, the VA, in collaboration with the Small Business Administration (SBA), offers resources through the Veteran Entrepreneur Portal. This portal provides access to training, financing opportunities, government contracting resources, and mentorship programs designed to help veterans start or grow their own businesses.
Additionally, the VA’s Veteran Employment Services Office (VESO) works to recruit veterans for careers within the federal government, offering resources on federal employment opportunities, hiring initiatives, and special hiring authorities that give veterans preference in federal hiring processes.
The VA also partners with employers nationwide through the VA for Vets initiative, connecting veterans with job openings and employers seeking to hire veterans. Employment resources include job fairs, career coaching, and online job boards.
By leveraging these Career & Employment Support services, veterans can navigate the job market effectively, capitalize on their skills and experiences, and secure fulfilling employment that aligns with their goals and abilities.