William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital (Madison)
WIVA health care system serving Wisconsin veterans with medical, mental health, and specialty care services.
Veteran Employment Resources in Wisconsin
Find veteran employment resources in Wisconsin. State hiring preferences, career counseling, job training, and transition assistance for Wisconsin veterans.
Veterans bring exceptional skills to the civilian workforce — leadership, discipline, technical expertise, and the ability to perform under pressure. Wisconsin, home to approximately 340,000 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 Wisconsin.
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 Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin veterans with service-connected disabilities who face employment barriers. Contact the VA Regional Office serving Wisconsin to apply.
Wisconsin Employment Resources
Wisconsin provides veterans' preference in state hiring. Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development has veteran representatives. Fort McCoy provides transition services. Wisconsin's manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture sectors recruit veterans
Skills Translation & Licensing
Wisconsin 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 WDVA 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 Wisconsin for details.
Key Resources
- VA Careers: VA for Vets at vaforvets.va.gov
- Federal Jobs: usajobs.gov (Veterans' Preference applies)
- WDVA: Contact for state employment resources
- DOL Veterans Services: 1-866-487-2365
Employment Resources in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority
WIState housing finance agency providing mortgage assistance, rental programs, and housing resources for Wisconsin residents including veterans.
Wisconsin Military and Veterans Family Support Program
WISupport services for military and veteran families in Wisconsin including counseling and family readiness programs.
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Veterans Services
WIEmployment and training services for Wisconsin veterans including job placement and career counseling.
Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs
WIWisconsin state veterans affairs office providing benefits counseling, claims assistance, and connections to state veteran programs.
Legal Action of Wisconsin Veterans Project
WIFree civil legal assistance for low-income veterans in Wisconsin.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Wisconsin offer veterans' hiring preference?
- Wisconsin provides veterans' preference in state hiring. Veterans' Preference also applies to all federal jobs.
- What employment programs are available for disabled veterans in Wisconsin?
- 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 Wisconsin?
- Use the VA Military Skills Translator at va.gov or O*NET to map military experience to civilian careers. Wisconsin has also taken steps to recognize military credentials for state licensing.
- Where can I get job training in Wisconsin?
- 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 WDVA for specific programs.
- How do I start a business as a veteran in Wisconsin?
- 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 Wisconsin.
Related guides in Wisconsin
Employment in nearby states
Related resources
Recently verified employment resources serving Wisconsin, ordered by most recent verification.
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Veterans Services
WIEmployment and training services for Wisconsin veterans including job placement and career counseling.