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.
51 verified employment resources serving New York. Crisis and fastest-path options are listed first.
Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Albany-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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