Legal Aid of Minnesota Veterans Project
MNFree civil legal assistance for low-income veterans in Minnesota.
Veteran Employment Resources in Minnesota
Find veteran employment resources in Minnesota. State hiring preferences, career counseling, job training, and transition assistance for Minnesota veterans.
Veterans bring exceptional skills to the civilian workforce — leadership, discipline, technical expertise, and the ability to perform under pressure. Minnesota, home to approximately 310,000 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 Minnesota.
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 Minnesota. 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 Minnesota veterans with service-connected disabilities who face employment barriers. Contact the VA Regional Office serving Minnesota to apply.
Minnesota Employment Resources
Minnesota provides veterans' preference in state and local government hiring (most expansive in the nation with statutory protections). Minnesota DEED has veteran employment specialists. Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program connects communities with veterans
Skills Translation & Licensing
Minnesota 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 MDVA 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 Minnesota for details.
Key Resources
- VA Careers: VA for Vets at vaforvets.va.gov
- Federal Jobs: usajobs.gov (Veterans' Preference applies)
- MDVA: Contact for state employment resources
- DOL Veterans Services: 1-866-487-2365
Employment Resources in Minnesota
Minneapolis VA Health Care System
MNVA health care system serving Minnesota veterans with medical, mental health, and specialty care services.
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency
MNState housing finance agency providing mortgage assistance, rental programs, and housing resources for Minnesota residents including veterans.
Minnesota Department of Employment Veterans Services
MNEmployment and training services for Minnesota veterans including job placement and career counseling.
Minnesota Military and Veterans Family Support Program
MNSupport services for military and veteran families in Minnesota including counseling and family readiness programs.
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
MNMinnesota state veterans affairs office providing benefits counseling, claims assistance, and connections to state veteran programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Minnesota offer veterans' hiring preference?
- Minnesota provides veterans' preference in state and local government hiring (most expansive in the nation with statutory protections). Veterans' Preference also applies to all federal jobs.
- What employment programs are available for disabled veterans in Minnesota?
- 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 Minnesota?
- Use the VA Military Skills Translator at va.gov or O*NET to map military experience to civilian careers. Minnesota has also taken steps to recognize military credentials for state licensing.
- Where can I get job training in Minnesota?
- 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 MDVA for specific programs.
- How do I start a business as a veteran in Minnesota?
- 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 Minnesota.
Related guides in Minnesota
Employment in nearby states
Related resources
Recently verified employment resources serving Minnesota, ordered by most recent verification.
Minnesota Department of Employment Veterans Services
MNEmployment and training services for Minnesota veterans including job placement and career counseling.