Colorado Department of Labor Veterans Services
COEmployment and training services for Colorado veterans including job placement and career counseling.
Veteran Employment Resources in Colorado
Find veteran employment resources in Colorado. State hiring preferences, career counseling, job training, and transition assistance for Colorado veterans.
Veterans bring exceptional skills to the civilian workforce — leadership, discipline, technical expertise, and the ability to perform under pressure. Colorado, home to approximately 400,000 veterans, offers a robust network of employment resources to help service members transition to meaningful civilian careers.
This guide covers federal and state employment programs, hiring preferences, career counseling, training opportunities, and veteran-friendly employers in Colorado.
Federal Employment Programs
American Job Centers & DVOP/LVER
The Department of Labor funds Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists and Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVERs) at career centers across Colorado. These specialists provide intensive career counseling, job placement, and follow-up services. Veterans receive priority of service at all federally funded employment programs.
VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E)
Chapter 31 VR&E provides career counseling, resume development, job training, education, and job placement for Colorado veterans with service-connected disabilities who face employment barriers. Contact the VA Regional Office serving Colorado to apply.
Colorado Employment Resources
Colorado's veteran employment rate is among the highest in the nation. The state provides veterans' preference in state hiring. Five military installations provide transition support. Colorado Springs has one of the densest veteran workforces in the country
Skills Translation & Licensing
Colorado has taken steps to recognize military credentials and training for civilian licensing. Veterans with military occupational specialties in healthcare, commercial driving, aviation, and other regulated fields should contact the CDMVA for assistance with credential recognition.
Veteran Entrepreneurship
The SBA's Office of Veterans Business Development provides resources including Boots to Business training, Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs), and SCORE mentoring. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) receive federal contracting preferences. Contact your nearest SBA office in Colorado for details.
Key Resources
- VA Careers: VA for Vets at vaforvets.va.gov
- Federal Jobs: usajobs.gov (Veterans' Preference applies)
- CDMVA: Contact for state employment resources
- DOL Veterans Services: 1-866-487-2365
Employment Resources in Colorado
Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center (Aurora)
COVA health care system serving Colorado veterans with medical, mental health, and specialty care services.
Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
COState housing finance agency providing mortgage assistance, rental programs, and housing resources for Colorado residents including veterans.
Colorado Military and Veterans Family Support Program
COSupport services for military and veteran families in Colorado including counseling and family readiness programs.
Colorado Legal Services Veterans Project
COFree civil legal assistance for low-income veterans in Colorado.
Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs
COColorado state veterans affairs office providing benefits counseling, claims assistance, and connections to state veteran programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Colorado offer veterans' hiring preference?
- Colorado's veteran employment rate is among the highest in the nation. Veterans' Preference also applies to all federal jobs.
- What employment programs are available for disabled veterans in Colorado?
- VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) provides career counseling, training, and job placement for veterans with service-connected disabilities. DVOP specialists at career centers provide intensive services for disabled veterans.
- How do I translate my military skills to civilian jobs in Colorado?
- Use the VA Military Skills Translator at va.gov or O*NET to map military experience to civilian careers. Colorado has also taken steps to recognize military credentials for state licensing.
- Where can I get job training in Colorado?
- Options include VR&E, GI Bill-funded training, apprenticeships, state career center programs, and community college certificate programs. Contact your local career center or the CDMVA for specific programs.
- How do I start a business as a veteran in Colorado?
- The SBA offers Boots to Business training, SCORE mentoring, and Veterans Business Outreach Centers. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses receive federal contracting preferences. Contact your local SBA office in Colorado.
Related guides in Colorado
Employment in nearby states
Related resources
Recently verified employment resources serving Colorado, ordered by most recent verification.
Colorado Department of Labor Veterans Services
COEmployment and training services for Colorado veterans including job placement and career counseling.