Find veteran employment resources in Illinois. State hiring preferences, career counseling, job training, and transition assistance for Illinois veterans.
46 verified employment resources serving Illinois. Crisis and fastest-path options are listed first.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Aurora area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Aurora veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Chicago-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Chicago veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs administers Illinois-specific veteran employment programs and benefits and connects veterans with accredited service officers, state benefits, and local resources.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Naperville-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Department of Labor American Job Center serving Joliet veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Rockford-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Aurora-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Department of Labor American Job Center serving Aurora veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Springfield veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Peoria-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Peoria veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Springfield area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Springfield area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Naperville area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Naperville-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Naperville area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Joliet area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Joliet veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Rockford-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Veterans bring exceptional skills to the civilian workforce — leadership, discipline, technical expertise, and the ability to perform under pressure. Illinois, home to approximately 620,000 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 Illinois.
The Department of Labor funds Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists and Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVERs) at career centers across Illinois. These specialists provide intensive career counseling, job placement, and follow-up services. Veterans receive priority of service at all federally funded employment programs.
Chapter 31 VR&E provides career counseling, resume development, job training, education, and job placement for Illinois veterans with service-connected disabilities who face employment barriers. Contact the VA Regional Office serving Illinois to apply.
Illinois provides veterans' preference in state and local government hiring. The Illinois Department of Employment Security has veteran representatives at offices statewide. Scott Air Force Base and Rock Island Arsenal provide transition services
Illinois 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 IDVA for assistance with credential recognition.
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 Illinois for details.
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