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Veteran Employment Resources in Arizona

Find veteran employment programs in Arizona. Career centers, hiring preferences, job training, military skills translation, and employer resources for Arizona veterans seeking civilian careers.

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Arizona's growing economy offers strong employment opportunities for veterans, with major employers in defense, healthcare, technology, and construction actively seeking to hire those with military experience. The state has implemented veteran hiring preferences for state government positions and supports a network of career centers, job training programs, and transition assistance specifically for veterans.

This guide covers every major employment resource available to Arizona veterans, from resume building and skills translation to apprenticeships, entrepreneurship programs, and employer connections.

Arizona Employment Programs for Veterans

Arizona@Work - Veteran Services

Arizona's workforce development system, Arizona@Work, provides specialized employment services for veterans at One-Stop Career Centers throughout the state. Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVERs) and Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists provide intensive career counseling, job placement, and follow-up services. Veterans receive priority of service at all Arizona@Work locations.

Locations: Career centers in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Flagstaff, Yuma, and over 40 other Arizona cities. Find your nearest center at arizonaatwork.com.

Hire Our Heroes / Arizona Coalition for Military Families

The Arizona Coalition for Military Families operates the Be Connected program, which connects veterans with employment services, mentorship, and community resources. Their Employment Navigator program provides personalized job search assistance and employer connections specifically for Arizona veterans.

VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E / Chapter 31)

Veterans with service-connected disabilities who face barriers to employment may qualify for VR&E services including career counseling, resume development, job training, education, and job placement. The Phoenix VA Regional Office's VR&E division serves all Arizona veterans. Contact them at (602) 627-3311.

State Hiring Preferences

Arizona State Government

Arizona provides hiring preferences for veterans in state government positions. Veterans receive 5 preference points added to competitive exam scores, and disabled veterans receive 10 points. Eligible veterans must have served on active duty and received an honorable or general discharge. Apply through the State of Arizona Human Resources Division at azstatejobs.gov.

Federal Employment

Veterans' Preference applies to all federal jobs in Arizona, including positions at Luke Air Force Base, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Fort Huachuca, and federal agencies. Additional federal hiring authorities include the Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) and 30% or More Disabled Veteran authority. Search federal jobs at usajobs.gov.

Job Training & Education

Apprenticeships

Arizona supports veteran apprenticeship programs through the Department of Economic Security. Veterans can use GI Bill benefits to receive a housing allowance while completing registered apprenticeships in trades including construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and manufacturing. Check apprenticeship.gov for Arizona listings.

Military Skills Translation

The Arizona Department of Veterans' Services helps veterans translate their military occupational specialties to civilian job requirements. Arizona also recognizes many military-earned professional certifications and licenses, expediting the credential-transfer process for veterans entering civilian careers in healthcare, aviation, commercial driving, and other fields.

Veteran Entrepreneurship

Arizona Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Arizona's SBDC network provides free business counseling to veteran entrepreneurs. The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) serving Arizona offers specialized training, mentorship, and resources for veteran-owned businesses. Programs include Boots to Business, a startup training program available to transitioning service members.

SBA Veteran Programs

The U.S. Small Business Administration's Arizona District Office provides loans, government contracting assistance, and mentoring through the SCORE program. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) receive contracting preferences for federal procurement.

Employment Resources in Arizona

Prescott County Veterans Service Office

Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Prescott area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.

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Mesa VA Benefits Office Locator

VA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in Mesa, AZ. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.

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Prescott Community College Veterans Resource Center

Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Prescott area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.

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BenefitsEmploymentVisit websiteUpdated May 16, 2026
Chandler VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic

VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) options for Chandler, AZ veterans. CBOCs deliver primary care, mental health, and select specialty services closer to home than the parent VA medical center.

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Glendale VA Outpatient Clinic

Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility serving Glendale, AZ veterans with primary care, mental health, and specialty services. Use the VA find-locations tool to confirm hours, services, and the closest clinic.

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Glendale American Job Center - Veterans Services

Department of Labor American Job Center serving Glendale veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.

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Mesa VA Outpatient Clinic

Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility serving Mesa, AZ veterans with primary care, mental health, and specialty services. Use the VA find-locations tool to confirm hours, services, and the closest clinic.

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Discharge Upgrade Help - Prescott

Self-service and pro bono discharge upgrade resources for Prescott veterans, including the VA's official application guide and matching with attorneys who handle BCMR/DRB cases.

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Tucson Veterans Upward Bound

Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Tucson-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.

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Hiring Our Heroes - Flagstaff

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Flagstaff-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.

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Prescott Vet Center

Community-based VA Vet Center serving Prescott area combat veterans and their families with free counseling, readjustment services, and bereavement support. Vet Centers are independent of VA medical facilities and confidential.

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Prescott Veterans Treatment Court

Veterans Treatment Court diversion option for justice-involved Prescott veterans with eligible offenses. Combines court supervision with VA treatment, peer mentors, and wraparound services as an alternative to incarceration.

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American Legion Service Officer - Glendale

American Legion Department of AZ accredited service officer support for Glendale-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.

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American Legion Service Officer - Phoenix

American Legion Department of AZ accredited service officer support for Phoenix-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.

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Chandler Vet Center

Community-based VA Vet Center serving Chandler area combat veterans and their families with free counseling, readjustment services, and bereavement support. Vet Centers are independent of VA medical facilities and confidential.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Arizona give veterans hiring preference for state jobs?
Yes. Arizona provides 5 preference points for veterans and 10 preference points for disabled veterans in competitive state hiring. Veterans must have served on active duty and received an honorable or general discharge. Apply at azstatejobs.gov.
Where can I find a DVOP specialist in Arizona?
Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists are located at Arizona@Work career centers statewide. Contact your nearest center or call the Arizona Department of Economic Security at (602) 542-4910 to be connected with a DVOP specialist.
Can I use my GI Bill for apprenticeships in Arizona?
Yes. The GI Bill covers approved apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs in Arizona. You receive a monthly housing allowance while apprenticing. Check apprenticeship.gov for Arizona listings or contact the VA Regional Office for approved programs.
Does Arizona recognize military professional licenses?
Arizona has enacted legislation to expedite recognition of military training and professional certifications. Many military-earned credentials in healthcare, aviation, and commercial driving are recognized or have expedited pathways. Contact the relevant Arizona licensing board for specific requirements.
What is VR&E and how do I qualify in Arizona?
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E, Chapter 31) provides career services to veterans with service-connected disabilities who face employment barriers. You must have a VA disability rating and an employment handicap. Contact the Phoenix VA Regional Office VR&E division at (602) 627-3311.
Are there veteran job fairs in Arizona?
Yes. Regular veteran hiring events are held in Phoenix, Tucson, and other Arizona cities throughout the year. Arizona@Work, Hire Our Heroes, and RecruitMilitary all host events. Check arizonaatwork.com or hiringourheroes.org for upcoming Arizona events.

Top Arizona cities for employment

Related guides in Arizona

Employment in nearby states

Related resources

Recently verified employment resources serving Arizona, ordered by most recent verification.

Student Veterans of America - Flagstaff Chapter

Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Flagstaff area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.

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BenefitsEmploymentVisit websiteUpdated May 16, 2026
Flagstaff Veterans Upward Bound

Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Flagstaff-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.

AZ
EmploymentVisit websiteUpdated May 16, 2026
Flagstaff Community College Veterans Resource Center

Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Flagstaff area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.

AZ
BenefitsEmploymentVisit websiteUpdated May 16, 2026
VR&E (Chapter 31) Counselor - Flagstaff

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Flagstaff veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.

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EmploymentVisit websiteUpdated May 16, 2026
Hiring Our Heroes - Flagstaff

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Flagstaff-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.

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EmploymentVisit websiteUpdated May 16, 2026
Flagstaff American Job Center - Veterans Services

Department of Labor American Job Center serving Flagstaff veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.

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EmploymentVisit websiteUpdated May 16, 2026

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