Hiring Our Heroes - Brooklyn
NYU.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Brooklyn-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Veteran Employment Resources in New York
Find veteran employment programs in New York. Career centers, hiring preferences, job training, military skills translation, and employer resources for New York veterans seeking civilian careers.
Verified employment help in New York: who to call
51 verified employment resources serving New York. Crisis and fastest-path options are listed first.
Hiring Our Heroes - Albany
NYU.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Albany-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Albany American Job Center - Veterans Services
NYDepartment of Labor American Job Center serving Albany veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.
Syracuse American Job Center - Veterans Services
NYDepartment of Labor American Job Center serving Syracuse veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.
Rochester American Job Center - Veterans Services
NYDepartment of Labor American Job Center serving Rochester veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.
New York Community College Veterans Resource Center
NYVeterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the New York area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
VR&E (Chapter 31) Counselor - Albany
NYVocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Albany veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
Student Veterans of America - Albany Chapter
NYStudent Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Albany area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Bronx Community College Veterans Resource Center
NYVeterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Bronx area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Albany Community College Veterans Resource Center
NYVeterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Albany area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Brooklyn Veterans Upward Bound
NYDepartment of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Brooklyn-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Bronx Veterans Upward Bound
NYDepartment of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Bronx-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
VR&E (Chapter 31) Counselor - Syracuse
NYVocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Syracuse veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
Student Veterans of America - Rochester Chapter
NYStudent Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Rochester area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
VR&E (Chapter 31) Counselor - Rochester
NYVocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Rochester veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
Buffalo Veterans Upward Bound
NYDepartment of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Buffalo-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
New York Veterans Upward Bound
NYDepartment of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving New York-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Rochester Veterans Upward Bound
NYDepartment of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Rochester-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
VR&E (Chapter 31) Counselor - Bronx
NYVocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Bronx veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
Student Veterans of America - Bronx Chapter
NYStudent Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Bronx area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Yonkers Veterans Upward Bound
NYDepartment of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Yonkers-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Student Veterans of America - New York Chapter
NYStudent Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the New York area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Student Veterans of America - Syracuse Chapter
NYStudent Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Syracuse area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
VA Careers & Employment Resources for New York Veterans
NYCareer counseling, resume help, skills translation, and job-search tools for New York veterans and transitioning service members, including the GI Bill and education-and-career counseling benefits.
VR&E (Chapter 31) Career Services for New York Veterans
NYVocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E, Chapter 31) provides career counseling, training, education, and job placement for New York veterans with service-connected disabilities and an employment barrier.
How employment help works in New York
New York's diverse economy spans finance, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and government, offering strong employment opportunities for veterans with military experience. The state has implemented veteran hiring preferences for state government positions and supports a robust network of career centers, job training programs, and transition assistance designed specifically for veterans.
This guide covers every major employment resource available to New York veterans, from resume building and skills translation to apprenticeships, entrepreneurship programs, and direct employer connections. Whether you're newly separated or looking for a career change, New York has programs to help you succeed.
New York Employment Programs for Veterans
NYS Department of Labor - Veterans' Services
The NYS Department of Labor operates Career Centers across the state with dedicated veterans' services. 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 NYS Career Centers, meaning they are served before non-veteran job seekers.
Locations: Career Centers throughout New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island), Long Island, Westchester, Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo, Rochester, and other cities statewide.
Veteran Hiring Preference
New York State provides hiring preferences for veterans seeking state government employment. Disabled veterans receive an additional preference. Veterans who pass a civil service examination receive additional points on their score: 5 points for wartime veterans and 10 points for disabled veterans. This applies to state and local government positions across New York.
VETSFIRST Employment Services
The VETSFIRST program operated by the NYS Division of Veterans' Services provides employment referrals, resume assistance, and connections to veteran-friendly employers. Call 1-888-838-7697 to speak with a counselor who can help match your military skills to civilian career opportunities.
VA Employment Programs
VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E / Chapter 31)
Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% and an employment barrier may be eligible for VR&E. Services include vocational counseling, job training, education, resume development, and job placement assistance. VR&E can also help veterans start their own businesses. Contact the New York VA Regional Office VR&E division at (212) 807-3429.
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VRE)
For veterans transitioning from service, VRE services help identify civilian career paths that leverage military experience. Counselors at New York VA facilities help translate military occupational specialties into civilian job qualifications and connect veterans with training programs and employers.
Entrepreneurship & Business
SBA Veteran Business Programs
The Small Business Administration's New York District Office offers programs specifically for veteran entrepreneurs, including the Boots to Business program, veteran-specific lending, and the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification. The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) provides counseling and training for veteran entrepreneurs throughout the Northeast.
NYS Veteran-Owned Business Preferences
New York State provides procurement preferences for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses (SDVOBs). Certified SDVOBs can receive preference in state contracting, giving veteran entrepreneurs access to government contracts. Contact the NYS Division of Service-Disabled Veterans' Business Development at (518) 474-2015.
Skills Training & Certifications
Helmets to Hardhats
This program connects veterans with careers in the construction trades through registered apprenticeships across New York. The program works with building trades unions in New York City, Long Island, Buffalo, Albany, and other areas. Veterans receive credit for military training and experience, shortening apprenticeship timelines.
NYS Veteran Military Skills to Civilian Credentials
New York helps veterans translate military training into civilian licenses and certifications through expedited credentialing processes. Commercial drivers, healthcare workers, electricians, and other skilled veterans can leverage their military training for faster civilian licensing. Contact the NYS Department of Labor for specific credential translation assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do veterans get hiring preference for New York State jobs?
- Yes. Veterans who pass a civil service examination receive additional points: 5 points for wartime veterans and 10 points for disabled veterans. This applies to state and local government positions throughout New York.
- Where can I find veteran job services in New York City?
- NYS Career Centers in each borough offer dedicated veteran employment services with LVER and DVOP specialists. You can also contact the NYC Department of Veterans' Services at (212) 416-5250 or the VETSFIRST program at 1-888-838-7697.
- What is VR&E and am I eligible?
- VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E or Chapter 31) provides career counseling, training, education, and job placement for veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 10% who face an employment barrier. Contact the NY VA Regional Office VR&E division at (212) 807-3429.
- Can I start a business as a veteran in New York?
- Yes. The SBA offers Boots to Business training, veteran-specific lending, and SDVOSB certification. New York State provides procurement preferences for certified service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. Contact the Veterans Business Outreach Center for counseling and training.
- Does New York help veterans translate military skills to civilian credentials?
- Yes. New York has expedited credentialing processes that allow veterans to leverage military training for civilian licenses in fields like commercial driving, healthcare, electrical work, and more. Contact the NYS Department of Labor for specific information about your military specialty.
- Are there apprenticeship programs for veterans in New York?
- Yes. Helmets to Hardhats connects veterans with registered apprenticeships in the construction trades. Veterans receive credit for military training, potentially shortening apprenticeship timelines. The program operates with building trades unions throughout New York.
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