Veteran with two children

Our team at the Division of Workforce Solutions provides experienced help to veterans, transitioning service members, and eligible spouses seeking a job.  North Carolina, home to nearly 800,000 veterans and several of the nation's most important defense installations, understands the needs and challenges of military life.

How It Works

Veterans can visit their NCWorks Career Center and take advantage of the following no-cost services:

  • Career assessments
  • Labor market information
  • Access to training opportunities, job fairs, and workshops
  • Job interview preparation
  • Resume and cover letter assistance
  • Assistance with NCWorks Online
  • Access to computers and free Internet service
  • Help applying for federal employment and training programs in which veterans receive priority of service

Some veterans face significant barriers that make it difficult for them to find suitable employment, especially vets who are transitioning into civilian life. Most offices have specialized staff—all of whom are veterans—who work closely with employers to create more opportunities for veterans and provide the following services to veterans:

  • Help developing an employability plan and goals
  • Coaching in individual and group settings
  • Referrals to supportive services, including vocational rehabilitation, transportation, elder care, food and nutrition services, and non-profit organizations that address homelessness

The following criteria are considered significant barriers to employment:

  • Disabilities
  • Homelessness
  • Unemployed for at least 27 weeks
  • Criminal background (released within the last 12 months)
  • No high school diploma or GED
  • Low income
  • Between 18-24 years old

NCWorks Online

The state’s official job-search website, NCWorks Online gives veterans access to job postings for 24 hours before they are made available to the general public. The system provides information on training opportunities, local services, and other resources available to veterans. Employers can also search exclusively for candidates who are veterans.

Apprenticeships

Veterans participating in Apprenticeships can continue to draw benefits from the GI Bill, even though they are employed as part of an apprenticeship. Learn more about apprenticeships.

How to Apply

Contact your NCWorks Career Center to find out more about NCWorks Veterans Services and other resources or programs. 

Veterans can also use the NCWorks Veterans Portal to look for jobs and training opportunities in their areas. Registration is free.

Employment Initiatives for Veterans

  • North Carolina For Military Employment (NC4ME) is a public-private partnership designed to make North Carolina the number one state for military employment. 
  • CyberVetsUSA is a program that provides free training and employment opportunities to veterans, transitioning service members, National Guard and Reservists, and their spouses. Offering the latest cyber courses and certifications from some of the industry’s leading tech companies, CyberVetsUSA is a skills-to-job pathway that aims to fast-track those coming out of the military into high-demand cyber careers.  
  • USA Jobs for Veterans - USA Jobs is the Federal Government’s official one-stop source for federal jobs and employment information.
  • The G.I.Jobs website has career tips for transitioning service members including advice on effective resumes, interviewing tips, and various other useful career advice.   Users can sign up for a free digital subscription to the G.I. Jobs magazine. G.I. Jobs provides individuals transitioning from military service to a civilian career useful assistance, and gives military-friendly employers a comprehensive vehicle to recruit transitioning service members.
  • Feds Hire Vets  provides federal employment information for veterans, transitioning military service members, their families and federal hiring officials.
  • U.S. Military Pipeline - Here job seekers can create a profile, take a career assessment, view and apply for jobs in various industries throughout North Carolina. Job seekers must setup an account to apply for jobs, but the account is free.
  • Recruit Military is a veteran-owned company dedicated to helping American veterans achieve their dreams: education, veteran and civilian careers, new business and franchise ownership, training, and much more. This service is provided free to veterans and their spouses.
  • The CareerOneStop site is a portal for veterans seeking employment, training and financial help after military service. The site includes a military to civilian MOS/MOC job translator, access to career resource information, occupational projections and jobs-in-demand.
  • Military.com is a free site which offers resources on military transitioning, veteran jobs, career advice, military occupation converters and other employment related information targeted towards the military.
  • The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation launched Hiring Our Heroes, a nationwide initiative to help veterans and military spouses find meaningful employment.  Veterans can find links to job fairs in their area and in other parts of the US.
  • The Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) is the official U.S. Army program that assists and advocates for severely wounded, ill, and injured soldiers, veterans, and their families.  Contact the Wounded Warrior Resource Center at 1 (800) 342-9647.
  • The Hilton Honors Military Program provides up to 100,000 hotel points to eligible Transitioning Service Members, Veterans and Military Spouses to support needed travel for verifiable employment-related activities, such as a job search, training for a new job, or finding housing near a new job. Once approved, the jobseeker can redeem the points to help pay for accommodations at any Hilton property. For more information, contact a local NCWorks Career Center and ask to speak to someone who works with Veterans. 
  • The NC Biotech Center's Military Outreach & Veterans Engagement (MOVE) program is an initiative that helps raise awareness of career opportunities within North Carolina’s life science industry (especially in biopharmaceutical manufacturing) and how the skills developed during military service prepare veterans for that industry. MOVE also connects veterans to training programs at local community colleges. 

State and Federal Resources for Veterans

  • The U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) - VETS serves America's veterans and separating service members by preparing them for meaningful careers, providing employment resources and expertise, and protecting their employment rights.  
  • VETS also monitors the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) that is currently conducted by contractors at selected military installations. It is designed to meet the needs of separating service members and their spouses by facilitating the transition from military service to the civilian workplace.
  • The Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) was created by the Army to help its service members succeed in their transition from military service. This program is conducted in conjunction with TAP.  The program provides a variety of transition assistance services, including employment assistance, relocation assistance, and career counseling for employers.
  • The Department of Veterans Affairs - A world-wide resource that provides information on veterans programs, benefits, facilities worldwide, and medical automation software.
  • The Veterans Crisis Line connects veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1 (800) 273-8255 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
  • The North Carolina Department of Military & Veterans Affairs advocates for veterans and their families by offering assistance through a network of District and County Veterans Service Offices. The DMVA assists veterans and their families in establishing claims, privileges, rights and benefits that veterans may be entitled to under Federal, State or local laws.
  • The Veterans Employment Center provides public and private job opportunities, a resume builder, military skills translator, and access to detailed career and training resources. The website is part of the federal Joining Forces Initiative.