Find veteran employment resources in Tennessee. State hiring preferences, career counseling, job training, and transition assistance for Tennessee veterans.
Veterans bring exceptional skills to the civilian workforce — leadership, discipline, technical expertise, and the ability to perform under pressure. Tennessee, home to approximately 470,000 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 Tennessee.
The Department of Labor funds Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists and Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVERs) at career centers across Tennessee. These specialists provide intensive career counseling, job placement, and follow-up services. Veterans receive priority of service at all federally funded employment programs.
Chapter 31 VR&E provides career counseling, resume development, job training, education, and job placement for Tennessee veterans with service-connected disabilities who face employment barriers. Contact the VA Regional Office serving Tennessee to apply.
Tennessee provides veterans' preference in state hiring. TN Department of Labor has veteran representatives. Fort Campbell (shared with KY), NSA Mid-South, and Arnold AFB provide transition services. Nashville's growing economy actively recruits veterans
Tennessee 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 TDVS for assistance with credential recognition.
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 Tennessee for details.
Department of Labor American Job Center serving Clarksville veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.
Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Memphis-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Dial 2-1-1 or search 211.org for Knoxville-area emergency shelter, rent and utility assistance, and homeless veteran outreach. Local 2-1-1 specialists screen for veteran-specific programs (HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD) and connect callers to the nearest intake point.
Local HUD-funded Continuum of Care coordinated-entry intake for Nashville-area veterans experiencing homelessness. CoCs route veterans to HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD transitional housing, and local nonprofit partners.
Community-based VA Vet Center serving Chattanooga 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 TN accredited service officer support for Nashville-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
Veterans Treatment Court diversion option for justice-involved Murfreesboro veterans with eligible offenses. Combines court supervision with VA treatment, peer mentors, and wraparound services as an alternative to incarceration.
Self-service and pro bono discharge upgrade resources for Clarksville 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 Knoxville 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 Murfreesboro area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Knoxville area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
HUD-VASH (Housing & Urban Development - VA Supportive Housing) combines a Housing Choice Voucher with VA case management for homeless Knoxville veterans. Apply through the local public housing authority and your nearest VA medical center.
Accredited county Veterans Service Officer for Clarksville 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 Chattanooga-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
American Legion Department of TN accredited service officer support for Chattanooga-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
American Legion Department of TN accredited service officer support for Murfreesboro-area veterans. Service officers help draft VA claims, gather evidence, and represent veterans through the appeals process at no cost.
Department of Labor American Job Center serving Chattanooga veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.
HUD-VASH (Housing & Urban Development - VA Supportive Housing) combines a Housing Choice Voucher with VA case management for homeless Nashville veterans. Apply through the local public housing authority and your nearest VA medical center.
SSVF grantee outreach for very low-income veteran families in Nashville who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. SSVF can fund rapid re-housing, temporary financial assistance, and case management.
Community-based VA Vet Center serving Memphis area combat veterans and their families with free counseling, readjustment services, and bereavement support. Vet Centers are independent of VA medical facilities and confidential.
Recently verified employment resources serving Tennessee, ordered by most recent verification.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Murfreesboro 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 Murfreesboro-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 Murfreesboro 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 Murfreesboro 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 Murfreesboro-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Department of Labor American Job Center serving Murfreesboro veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.
