Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Richmond-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Veteran Employment Resources in Virginia
Find veteran employment programs in Virginia. Virginia Values Veterans (V3), career centers, hiring preferences, military skills translation, and federal employment opportunities for Virginia veterans.
Verified employment help in Virginia: who to call
52 verified employment resources serving Virginia. Crisis and fastest-path options are listed first.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Richmond veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
Student Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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 Virginia Beach 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 Roanoke-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 Alexandria-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 Arlington-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 Chesapeake-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Department of Labor American Job Center serving Chesapeake 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 Richmond-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Department of Labor American Job Center serving Richmond 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 Norfolk-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Department of Labor American Job Center serving Norfolk 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 Virginia Beach-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Career counseling, resume help, skills translation, and job-search tools for Virginia veterans and transitioning service members, including the GI Bill and education-and-career counseling benefits.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E, Chapter 31) provides career counseling, training, education, and job placement for Virginia veterans with service-connected disabilities and an employment barrier.
Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Roanoke-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 Newport News 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 Newport News-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 Newport News area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Alexandria-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Department of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Arlington-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 Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
How employment help works in Virginia
Virginia offers one of the strongest veteran employment ecosystems in the country, driven by the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program, proximity to federal agencies and defense contractors, and a robust network of military installations that produce a steady stream of transitioning service members. The Commonwealth's economy, anchored by defense, technology, healthcare, and government sectors, creates abundant opportunities for veterans.
This guide covers every major employment resource available to Virginia veterans, from the V3 employer network and Virginia Employment Commission services to federal hiring preferences and entrepreneurship programs tailored for military experience.
Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program
V3 is Virginia's flagship veteran employment initiative, training and certifying employers to recruit, hire, and retain veterans. Over 1,700 employers across the Commonwealth participate in V3, collectively hiring thousands of veterans annually. V3-certified employers commit to creating veteran-friendly workplaces, translating military skills to civilian job requirements, and providing mentoring and support during transition.
How to access: Visit dvs.virginia.gov/employment-education to search V3-certified employers and current job openings. DVS employment specialists can connect you directly with V3 employers in your area.
Virginia Employment Commission (VEC)
Veterans Services at VEC
The Virginia Employment Commission provides specialized employment services for veterans at workforce centers statewide. Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists provide intensive career counseling for veterans with significant barriers to employment. Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVERs) work with employers to develop job opportunities for veterans. Veterans receive priority of service at all VEC offices.
Virginia Workforce Centers
Virginia operates over 30 workforce centers providing resume assistance, job search workshops, career counseling, and employer connections. Veterans receive priority access to all services. Many centers offer dedicated veteran hours and specialized transition workshops.
Federal Employment Opportunities
Virginia's proximity to Washington, DC, and the concentration of federal agencies in Northern Virginia create unique opportunities for veterans. Veterans' preference in federal hiring gives eligible veterans a significant advantage. Major federal employers in Virginia include the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Intelligence Community agencies, and numerous defense contractors.
- Veterans' Preference: Eligible veterans receive 5 or 10-point preference in federal competitive hiring
- VRA (Veterans Recruitment Appointment): Allows agencies to hire eligible veterans without competition
- 30% or More Disabled Veteran Authority: Direct hire authority for veterans with 30%+ disability rating
Transition Assistance
Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
Virginia's major military installations — Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Naval Station Norfolk, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Fort Gregg-Adams, and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story — all operate TAP offices providing pre-separation counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs.
VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E)
Veterans with service-connected disabilities can access VR&E (Chapter 31) for career counseling, job training, resume development, and job placement assistance. The VR&E office at the Roanoke VA Regional Office serves Virginia veterans. Contact them at (540) 857-2102.
Entrepreneurship
Virginia supports veteran entrepreneurs through DVS business resources, the Virginia Small Business Development Center network, and SBA's Veterans Business Outreach Center. The Boots to Business program at military installations provides entrepreneurship training. Virginia's strong economy and proximity to federal contracting opportunities make it an excellent location for veteran-owned businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program?
- V3 is a DVS program that trains and certifies employers to recruit, hire, and retain veterans. Over 1,700 Virginia employers participate. Veterans can access V3 employer listings and job openings through DVS at dvs.virginia.gov.
- Do veterans get hiring preference for Virginia state jobs?
- Yes. Virginia provides hiring preference for eligible veterans applying for state government positions. Veterans who meet minimum qualifications receive preference in the selection process. Apply through the Commonwealth's job portal at jobs.virginia.gov.
- How can I translate my military skills to a civilian resume in Virginia?
- Visit a Virginia Employment Commission office where veterans employment specialists can help translate military experience. DVS also offers career transition workshops and resume assistance. The V3 program helps employers understand military skills equivalencies.
- Are there veteran job fairs in Virginia?
- Yes. Virginia hosts numerous veteran job fairs throughout the year, including events at military installations, VEC-sponsored hiring events, and V3 employer networking events. Check dvs.virginia.gov and vec.virginia.gov for upcoming events.
- Can disabled veterans get job training through the VA in Virginia?
- Yes. VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E / Chapter 31) provides career counseling, job training, resume development, and job placement for veterans with service-connected disabilities. Contact the Roanoke VA Regional Office VR&E division at (540) 857-2102.
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