Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Harrisburg-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Veteran Employment Resources in Pennsylvania
Find veteran employment programs in Pennsylvania. PA CareerLink veteran services, hiring preferences, job training, and resources for PA veterans seeking civilian careers.
Verified employment help in Pennsylvania: who to call
40 verified employment resources serving Pennsylvania. Crisis and fastest-path options are listed first.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Erie 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 Pittsburgh area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
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.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Harrisburg-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 Erie-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Department of Labor American Job Center serving Erie 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 Pittsburgh-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Department of Labor American Job Center serving Pittsburgh 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 Philadelphia-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
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.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Erie 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 Harrisburg 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 Allentown-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Career counseling, resume help, skills translation, and job-search tools for Pennsylvania veterans and transitioning service members, including the GI Bill and education-and-career counseling benefits.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Allentown 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 Allentown veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
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.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E, Chapter 31) provides career counseling, training, education, and job placement for Pennsylvania veterans with service-connected disabilities and an employment barrier.
How employment help works in Pennsylvania
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 Veteran Services
Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER)
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.
Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP)
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.
State Hiring Preferences
Veterans Preference in State Employment
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.
VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E)
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.
Apprenticeship & Training Programs
Helmets to Hardhats
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.
Pennsylvania Manufacturing Extension Partnership
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.
Entrepreneurship
Small Business Administration (SBA) Resources
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.
PA Small Business Development Centers
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do veterans get hiring preference for PA state jobs?
- Yes. Pennsylvania provides veterans preference on state civil service examinations. Eligible veterans receive additional points, and disabled veterans receive an enhanced preference. Visit scsc.pa.gov to view openings and apply for state positions.
- Where do I find PA CareerLink veteran services?
- PA CareerLink offices are located throughout the state. Each office has Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVERs) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists. Veterans receive priority of service at all locations. Find your nearest office at pacareerlink.pa.gov.
- Can I use the GI Bill for apprenticeships in Pennsylvania?
- Yes. The GI Bill covers VA-approved apprenticeships in Pennsylvania. You receive a monthly housing allowance that decreases as your apprenticeship wages increase. Programs in construction trades, manufacturing, and other fields are available through Helmets to Hardhats and other organizations.
- What is VR&E and how do I apply in PA?
- VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E, Chapter 31) provides career services to veterans with service-connected disabilities. Apply online at VA.gov or contact the Philadelphia or Pittsburgh VA Regional Office. Services include training, education, resume help, and job placement.
- Are there veteran entrepreneurship programs in Pennsylvania?
- Yes. The SBA Veterans Business Outreach Centers, Boots to Business program, and PA Small Business Development Centers all provide free resources for veteran entrepreneurs, including business planning, mentoring, and access to capital.
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