National Hire a Veteran Day (7/25): Resources & Programs

by | July 25, 2022

In 2017, Dan Caporale, a Marine Corps veteran and the founder of Hire Our Heroes, helped to found Hire A Veteran Day which has been celebrated annually ever since on July 25th. This national day is dedicated to spreading awareness and helping the countless veterans who transition from military service into civilian employment every day. Finding a job and transitioning are some of the biggest challenges for veterans after leaving military service. 

The veteran unemployment rate has been steadily decreasing from 6.5 percent in 2020 to 4.4 percent in 2021 for veterans aged 18 years and older. In June 2022, the veteran unemployment rate was as low as 2.7 percent.

However, many veterans are underemployed, engaging in work that does not make use of their skills or abilities. One study found that about 33 percent of veterans are underemployed and 15.6 percent more likely to be underemployed than nonveterans. Underemployment can contribute to lower wages as well as fewer opportunities for professional and personal development.

This Hire a Veteran Day, our team wanted to highlight the many programs and resources available to support veteran employment.

  • Veterans are protected under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). This means you cannot be disadvantaged in your civilian career because of your service.
  • Veterans Employment Center – Find educational and career counseling resources, including résumé building and help choosing potential careers; access support for small business owners and transition assistance.
  • Job Boards – Several resources exist including VAfor VETS, USAJOBS and U.S. Department of Treasury listings.
  • Veteran Employment Program Office – VEPO offers online job-seeking training and resources, job links and more. The outreach program provides in-person events offering career coaching, readiness assistance, and other employment resources.
  • Industry-Specific Programs – Find programs such as Troops to Teachers, Helmets to Hardhats and Veterans Green Jobs to help you transition from the military into a variety of industries.
  • Veterans Employment Services – Find resources to start your own business, learn more about civilian career opportunities or connect with national resources.
  • Transition Assistance – VETS features several programs for service members transitioning from the military, including the Transition Assistance Program, Employment Navigator and Partnership Pilot and Off-Base Transition Training.
  • The Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program is designed to provide services to assist in reintegrating homeless veterans into meaningful employment within the labor force and to stimulate the development of effective service delivery systems that will address the complex problems facing homeless veterans.
  • Veterans’ Preference Advisor – Learn more about Veterans’ Preference, including eligibility, how it works and how to file an appeal.
  • Veterans Florida: Employers– Veterans Florida provides grants for employers and offers workforce recruiting services that cater to Florida employers seeking to fill open jobs with transitioning US military service members, veterans and spouses. 
    • Special Program: Skillbridge Initiative
      • Enables service members within 6 months of retirement to gain workforce training at an employer. DOD maintains the service members’ salary and benefits during the training period.
  • Veterans Services of Orange County: Orange County offers claim benefits and assistance for veterans including: compensation for service related injury, medical care, vocational training, financial assistance, filing claims for benefits, obtaining military records, advocacy and referrals to other agencies. 
  • VA Benefits: You may be eligible to receive Veteran Readiness and Employment services to help with job training, education, employment accommodations, resume development and skills coaching – Apply here 
    • Benefits and Services: Employment – Another resource for job opportunities and claim benefits → vaforvets.va.gov: Translate  military skills to civilian skills, take career assessments, consult with coaches and conduct job searches. All of these tools and support services are provided at no cost to our heroes.  
  • CareerOneStop: Veteran and Military Transition Center – Offers apprenticeships, employment, education and relocation resources. 
  • Florida Dept of Veterans Affairs – Employment Services – The FDVA showcases job resources, employment openings, and relevant state services at this landing page.

Note: For 24/7 counsel, call the National Veteran Crisis Hotline at 9-8-8, Press 1. You are not alone! Florida Veterans may also call the Florida Veterans Support Line at 1-844-MyFLVet (1-844-693-5838) or dial 2-1-1.