Labor Day honors America’s workers and all they have achieved. At the Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), it is our honor to serve and support you as you transition to the next stages of your working life

Whether you are transitioning from the military, recently separatedor have been a Veteran for years, you bring talent to the table.  

When you joined the service, you learned a military occupation and spent years honing your technical and leadership skillset. You were trained in multiple skills and tasked with varied responsibilities. This experience translates well to the workforce and makes you an asset for employers in any number of industries. 

At VETS, we’re here to provide you with the information and support you need to prepare for a meaningful career 

This Labor Day, take the next step toward reaching your full potential in the workplace:

Need assistance connecting with career or training resources 

At nearly 2,400 American Job Centers nationwide, you can search for jobs, find training and ask employment-related questions. Eligibility is open to all Americans. Find your closest center by entering your ZIP code here, or explore their many online resources at CareerOneStop.org. 

Interested in a new career path?  

Consider an apprenticeship. You can receive paid on-the-job training, mentorship and a portable credential in your new industry. Whether you’re active duty, separating soon or a Veteran, this may be a great fit for you. Learn more about eligibility and how to take the next steps at Apprenticeship.gov 

Want to learn how to identify employers and companies committed to hiring you?  

Check out our HIRE Vets Medallion Program. It’s the only federal program that recognizes employers of all sizes for their Veteran hiring efforts. Find employers who value your unique skills and experience by viewing the most recent list of award recipients. 

Are you a National Guardsman or Reservist?  

You’re protected by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). We can help you address service-connected problems with civilian employment. Learn more about your rights and how we protect them here. 

Is your military spouse pursuing employment goals? 

Encourage your spouse to take advantage of our free Transition Employment Assistance for Military Spouses (TEAMS) workshopsWe can help them tackle the unique employment barriers they face when looking for work. All military spouses of transitioning service members are eligible and we offer courses at convenient times 

Looking to gain civilian work experience prior to leaving the military?   

The Department of Defense SkillBridge Program might be a great fit for you. The program is open to service members of any rank, enlisted or officer. Use up to the last 180 days of your military service to train and learn with an industry partner. 

Wherever you are in your career, VETS can help. Our team is committed to making sure your excellence is recognized by the civilian sector. Your success is our mission.  

Follow the Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date! 

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2 Comments

  1. Tony Jackson September 6, 2021 at 19:42

    VHA Title 38 employees include physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners and other health care professionals. The MEDVAMC Title 38 hiring managers use (abuse) Direct Hiring Authority to circumvent veterans preference and EEO Federal law to appoint their cronies to healthcare positions at the facility without interviews.

    The nation praised the military medics, nurses, physicians, etc. that provided care and delivered babies for evacuees and lost their lives in Afghanistan. Less than 1% of employees at the MEDVAMC are military veterans. The MEDVAMC would discriminate against those same military medics and their dependents by using DHA to violate veterans preference and EEO laws. Stop thanking U.S. Military veterans for their service if you are going to allow hiring managers to violate veteran preference and EEO laws.

    Current legislation and VHA Rules do NOTHING to stop facilities like the MEDVAMC for violating veterans preference or EEO laws in hiring at VHA by using DHA. FOIA requests prove that the MEDVAMC has not met its thirty-one (31%) hiring of military veterans in several years. Less than 1% of Title 38 healthcare providers at the MEDVAMC are military providers. There are no Title 38 hiring managers that are military veterans at the MEDVAMC in Houston, TX.

    The Title 38 Hiring Managers at the MEDVAMC utilize DHA to circumvent Veteran Preference, ADA, and ADEA laws to appoint lesser qualified non-military veteran preference Title 38 Nurse applicants via Direct Appointments without interviews, i.e., nepotism/cronyism. The MEDVAMC does not use Special Hiring Authorities to recruit, appoint, or employ Title 38 applicants with Vet Preference and/ or Disabilities.

    An investigation into Title 38 Hiring practices, i.e., using DHA to circumvent veterans preference and EEO laws is warranted to end the practice. The Medical Director is aware of the veterans preference and EEO violations but has done nothing to address.

    Caselaw: Scarnati v. Department of Veterans Affairs, 344 F.3d 1246, 1248 (Fed. Cir. 2003) Link:https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-federal-circuit/1330574.html.

  2. Rachel D September 2, 2021 at 13:03

    As a board member of MZHH.org and an employee here, at Hines, it’s great to help veterans at any given point. Mission Zero Hundred Hours is all about Veteran Suicide Prevention ! Looking for more veterans to participate in HONOR-Q. Hosted by Yorkville American Legion, Post 498 (IL) with a special ceremony for 9/11 memorial. Veterans sign up to help BBQ teams compete in a contest run by Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS). We welcome veterans as well as first responders.

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