Veteran employment programs for seniors and other job training programs for veterans were introduced with passage of the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1988 (VEOA). The challenge of finding quality senior veteran employment services after military service can be daunting. The obstacles include gaining specific skill sets that senior service members may not be aware are in demand in the private sector. These difficulties are all the more acute for senior veterans who may have been out of the private workforce for decades. Fortunately, the government offers a variety of veteran employment and training service programs to assist senior veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These programs include retraining for a new career, helping veterans decide what new work field they would like to enter and senior veterans assistance programs for finding employment in alternate federal agencies which often offer veterans preferential treatment in the hiring process. To learn about veteran employment training services for seniors and retired military personnel, continue reading below.

Learn About the Senior Veteran Employment Program: FedsHireVets

A top veteran employment and training service, FedsHireVets has connected senior veterans to veteran employment programs with the federal government once their military careers are over. As one of the nation’s most trusted veteran employment services, FedsHireVets guides senior applicants through the process of obtaining employment. FedsHireVets provides senior veterans employment assistance designed to help prospective applicants with the various forms, deadlines and other issues that senior veterans encounter during the job application process.

Find Out About the Senior Veteran Assistance Program: The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program

Veteran employment programs are available to veterans and active duty military of all ages, including seniors, through the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program. Eligibility for VR&E depends on several factors. You may be eligible for this type of veteran employment training service if you are:

• An active duty service member who received an honorable discharge.
• Participating in the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) or certified by the military as having a severe injury or illness that may prevent you from performing military duties.
• A former service member within 12 years from the date of separation from military service or disability discharge.

Some applicants may also qualify for veteran disability compensation. Learn more about the VR&E senior veteran employment service when you download our guide today.

Learn About Job Training Programs for Veterans: Education and Career Counseling

Senior veteran employment and training services represent only one aspect of the VA’s veteran outreach programs. The VA offers job training programs for seniors, education and career counseling. The VA administers an Education and Career Counseling center for service members and veterans. The job training programs for veterans provide personalized counseling to assist veteran employment training.

Senior veteran employment training services included in the education program include the following:

• Career valuation to help you find the best veteran employment services based on your interests and capabilities
• Benefits coaching on the effective use of your veteran experience to achieve your education and career goals
• Job training programs for veterans with personalized support to help you remove any barriers to your success

Veteran assistance programs for educational training are available to senior service members within one year from the date of discharge or release from active duty. You may be eligible to enroll in Education and Career Counseling if you are a service member within 180 days of anticipated discharge from active duty or if eligible for Chapter 33 benefits while on active duty.

How to Apply to Veteran Employment Services and Job Training Programs

Senior veteran employment programs and job training services can be applied for online, as this is the easiest way to submit an application. Open enrollment online involves a straightforward, step-by-step application process. If you are interested in enrolling in a veteran employment program, you will have to apply through the VA. You can register for the senior veteran employment service of your choice, and the VA will review your submission and determine your eligibility. If you are deemed eligible for one of the veteran employment and training services you applied for, your next step will be to attend an orientation and in-person training session at the VA Regional Office.

Review instructions on how to apply for veteran employment services by downloading our comprehensive guide today.