Find veteran employment programs in Virginia. Virginia Values Veterans (V3), career centers, hiring preferences, military skills translation, and federal employment opportunities for Virginia veterans.
52 verified employment resources serving Virginia. 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 Roanoke 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 Norfolk-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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