Employment & Transition

Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program 

The Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program helps employers develop and implement successful, long-term strategies to recruit, hire, and retain Virginia Veterans. Hiring veterans is not only the right thing to do but also a smart business decision. The knowledge and abilities today’s service members and veterans gain in our modern military make them an extremely valuable talent pool for companies that wish to grow and improve organizational performance. Visit www.dvsv3.com to learn more.

Military Medics and Corpsmen (MMAC) Program 

The Military Medics and Corpsmen (MMAC) team recruits, reviews and refers candidates to healthcare employers statewide. The hiring decisions and scope of practice are up to the employers. While DVS doesn't provide licensure and certification or direct financial assistance – we do clear the path for your next mission: being part of Virginia's civilian healthcare team.

Military Education and Workforce Initiative (MEWI) 

The Military Education and Workforce Initiative (MEWI) assists veterans and service members with their transition from active duty to civilian life.

MEWI enhances employment opportunities for Virginians who have served in the United States Military, and their spouses, by providing a pathway to education, training, certifications, and technology.

Virginia’s HIRE VETS NOW initiative brings together transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses and dedicated V3 certified businesses to share in camaraderie, professional development and career networking. Hosted by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and Transition Assistance Offices on military installations, these events offer opportunities to connect with Virginia companies looking to hire you! For more information, please visit www.vachamber.com/hirevets.

The Virginia SkillBridge Program

The Virginia SkillBridge Program is the only state-run DoD Approved SkillBridge Program. Collaborating with Virginia Value Veterans (V3) certified companies and state agencies, the Virginia SkillBridge Program offers transitioning service members the opportunity to participate in an internship up to six months prior to separation. Through their participation, service members gain valuable real-world experience, preparing them for entry into the civilian sector.

The Commonwealth of Virginia and Virginia localities give preference to honorably discharged veterans of the armed forces of the United States in its employment hiring policies and practices, provided that such veteran meets all of the knowledge, skills and eligibility requirements for the available position. Additional consideration is also given to veterans who have a service-connected disability rating fixed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Virginia also extends its veterans hiring preference to active members of the Virginia National Guard as well. The surviving spouse and dependents of service members killed in action are also entitled to the hiring preference. Visit jobs.virginia.gov/veterans-hiring-resources for more details.

Virginia Employment Commission  

Veterans from all periods of military service are eligible for job referral, job training and job placement assistance through the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). Veterans may access these employment services through a statewide network of Virginia Works offices.