SC Works Veterans Services
SCEmployment and training services for South Carolina veterans including job placement and career counseling.
Veteran Employment Resources in South Carolina
Find veteran employment resources in South Carolina. State hiring preferences, career counseling, job training, and transition assistance for South Carolina veterans.
Veterans bring exceptional skills to the civilian workforce — leadership, discipline, technical expertise, and the ability to perform under pressure. South Carolina, home to approximately 400,000 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 South Carolina.
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 South Carolina. 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 South Carolina veterans with service-connected disabilities who face employment barriers. Contact the VA Regional Office serving South Carolina to apply.
South Carolina Employment Resources
South Carolina provides veterans' preference in state hiring. SC DEW has veteran representatives. Fort Jackson, Joint Base Charleston, Shaw AFB, and Beaufort MCAS provide transition services. SC's growing defense and manufacturing sectors recruit veterans
Skills Translation & Licensing
South Carolina 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 SCDVA 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 South Carolina for details.
Key Resources
- VA Careers: VA for Vets at vaforvets.va.gov
- Federal Jobs: usajobs.gov (Veterans' Preference applies)
- SCDVA: Contact for state employment resources
- DOL Veterans Services: 1-866-487-2365
Employment Resources in South Carolina
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center (Charleston)
SCVA health care system serving South Carolina veterans with medical, mental health, and specialty care services.
South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority
SCState housing finance agency providing mortgage assistance, rental programs, and housing resources for South Carolina residents including veterans.
South Carolina Military and Veterans Family Support Program
SCSupport services for military and veteran families in South Carolina including counseling and family readiness programs.
South Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs
SCSouth Carolina state veterans affairs office providing benefits counseling, claims assistance, and connections to state veteran programs.
South Carolina Legal Services Veterans Project
SCFree civil legal assistance for low-income veterans in South Carolina.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does South Carolina offer veterans' hiring preference?
- South Carolina provides veterans' preference in state hiring. Veterans' Preference also applies to all federal jobs.
- What employment programs are available for disabled veterans in South Carolina?
- 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 South Carolina?
- Use the VA Military Skills Translator at va.gov or O*NET to map military experience to civilian careers. South Carolina has also taken steps to recognize military credentials for state licensing.
- Where can I get job training in South Carolina?
- 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 SCDVA for specific programs.
- How do I start a business as a veteran in South Carolina?
- 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 South Carolina.
Related guides in South Carolina
Employment in nearby states
Related resources
Recently verified employment resources serving South Carolina, ordered by most recent verification.
SC Works Veterans Services
SCEmployment and training services for South Carolina veterans including job placement and career counseling.