Labor Dept resources help veterans build meaningful careers

The Department of Labor operates a dedicated agency specifically designed to help veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses find meaningful civilian careers, yet many veterans remain unaware of these resources. In a recent conversation on the VA's "At the Table" podcast, Jeremiah Workman, assistant secretary of the Department of Labor's Veterans Employment and Training Service, outlined the full range of employment support available to those who have served. These programs are designed to match veterans with careers that align with their military skills, strengths, and long-term goals.

The Veterans Employment and Training Service, known as VETS, provides several key programs including the Transition Assistance Program and Jobs for Veterans State Grants. VETS also enforces employment protections under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, commonly called USERRA, which is particularly critical for National Guard and Reserve members returning from activation who need assurance their civilian jobs will be protected. These programs are structured to meet veterans at any stage of their transition, whether they are still in service or years into civilian life.

All veterans can benefit from these resources, regardless of disability rating or discharge status, though the programs hold special value for disabled veterans navigating the dual challenge of managing service-connected conditions while building a new career. Military spouses, caregivers, and survivors are also eligible for DOL employment workshops and job placement support. The services are available nationwide through American Job Centers in every state and territory, staffed with specialists trained specifically to work with the military community.

Workman emphasized that the defense industrial base and skilled trades represent some of the strongest career matches for veterans, with roles in welding, electrical work, trucking, and manufacturing offering long-term stability and strong earning potential. He noted that many veterans in these trades earn six-figure salaries with little to no student debt, countering the common assumption that a four-year degree is the only path to financial success. A new initiative called Freedom Haulers was announced during the conversation, aimed at bringing thousands of veterans into the trucking workforce, with employers like J.B. Hunt committing to hire large numbers of veterans annually based on their experience with heavy machinery and tactical vehicles.

For disabled veterans, these career pathways matter because they offer both financial stability and a sense of mission and purpose that can be difficult to replicate after service. Skilled trades and defense industry roles often provide the structure, teamwork, and tangible outcomes that mirror military work, which can be especially valuable for veterans managing the psychological and physical effects of service-connected disabilities. The ability to enter high-paying careers without accumulating student debt also reduces financial stress during a period when many disabled veterans are navigating VA claims, medical appointments, and benefit coordination.

Veterans interested in exploring these opportunities should start by visiting the Department of Labor VETS website and locating their nearest American Job Center for personalized support. The Apprenticeship.gov site offers access to thousands of apprenticeship programs nationwide, many of which align directly with military occupational specialties. Veterans should also consider reaching out to a Veterans Service Organization for guidance on how employment income may interact with VA disability compensation and other benefits, ensuring they make informed decisions that protect their overall benefits package.