Find veteran employment programs in Pennsylvania. PA CareerLink veteran services, hiring preferences, job training, and resources for PA veterans seeking civilian careers.
Pennsylvania's diverse economy offers strong career opportunities for veterans in healthcare, manufacturing, technology, energy, and government. The Commonwealth provides veteran hiring preferences for state employment and supports a network of career centers and job training programs specifically designed for veterans transitioning to civilian careers.
This guide covers every major employment resource available to Pennsylvania veterans, from PA CareerLink services and VA vocational rehabilitation to apprenticeships, entrepreneurship support, and employer connections across the state.
PA CareerLink offices throughout Pennsylvania employ Local Veterans Employment Representatives who provide specialized employment services to veterans. LVERs work directly with employers to develop job openings and promote the hiring of veterans. They also conduct outreach to connect veterans with career opportunities in their communities.
DVOP specialists at PA CareerLink offices provide intensive career counseling, job development, and placement services to veterans with significant barriers to employment, including those with service-connected disabilities. Veterans receive priority of service at all PA CareerLink locations.
Pennsylvania provides a veterans preference for state civil service positions. Eligible veterans receive additional points on civil service examinations, and disabled veterans receive an enhanced preference. The Pennsylvania State Civil Service Commission administers these preferences. Visit scsc.pa.gov for more information and to view current state job openings.
Veterans with service-connected disabilities who face employment barriers can access VR&E (Chapter 31) through VA Regional Offices in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Services include vocational counseling, training, education, resume development, job placement, and post-employment support. VR&E can also provide self-employment assistance for veterans who want to start a business.
This national program connects transitioning veterans with careers in the construction trades. Pennsylvania has strong union apprenticeship programs in the building trades that welcome veterans. GI Bill benefits can be used during apprenticeships to supplement wages.
Veterans interested in manufacturing careers can access training and job placement through PA MEP programs. Pennsylvania's manufacturing sector is a major employer with opportunities in advanced manufacturing, machining, and industrial maintenance.
The SBA's Veterans Business Outreach Centers provide business planning assistance, mentoring, and training for veteran entrepreneurs. Pennsylvania veterans can also access the Boots to Business program through military installations and community organizations. The SBA offers special loan programs including the SBA Express Loan with relaxed requirements for veteran-owned businesses.
Pennsylvania's network of SBDCs provides free consulting, training, and resources for veteran entrepreneurs. Centers are located at universities throughout the state including Penn State, Temple, and Duquesne. Services include business plan development, financial analysis, and marketing strategy.
Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Erie-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) options for Scranton, PA veterans. CBOCs deliver primary care, mental health, and select specialty services closer to home than the parent VA medical center.
Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility serving Harrisburg, PA veterans with primary care, mental health, and specialty services. Use the VA find-locations tool to confirm hours, services, and the closest clinic.
Department of Labor American Job Center serving Philadelphia veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.
Free civil legal help for Scranton-area veterans through Legal Services Corporation grantees and the Stateside Legal veteran-facing directory. Common matters include discharge upgrades, VA benefits appeals, family law, and housing.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Erie veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
HUD-VASH (Housing & Urban Development - VA Supportive Housing) combines a Housing Choice Voucher with VA case management for homeless Allentown veterans. Apply through the local public housing authority and your nearest VA medical center.
State-operated long-term care facilities for eligible Pennsylvania veterans.
Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) serving Philadelphia, PA administer the Housing Choice Voucher used for HUD-VASH. Use HUD's official PHA contact list to find the right local PHA, request the veteran-priority waitlist, and confirm intake hours.
Community-based VA Vet Center serving Scranton area combat veterans and their families with free counseling, readjustment services, and bereavement support. Vet Centers are independent of VA medical facilities and confidential.
American Legion Department of PA accredited service officer support for Allentown-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
Free civil legal assistance for low-income veterans in Pennsylvania.
Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) serving Erie, PA administer the Housing Choice Voucher used for HUD-VASH. Use HUD's official PHA contact list to find the right local PHA, request the veteran-priority waitlist, and confirm intake hours.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Philadelphia veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Scranton area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Scranton veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
Self-service and pro bono discharge upgrade resources for Scranton veterans, including the VA's official application guide and matching with attorneys who handle BCMR/DRB cases.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Allentown veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Erie area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Scranton-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Recently verified employment resources serving Pennsylvania, ordered by most recent verification.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Scranton 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 Scranton-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 Scranton 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 Scranton veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Scranton-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Department of Labor American Job Center serving Scranton veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.
