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VetAtlas

Veteran-Friendly Employers & Hiring Programs

Finding an employer that genuinely values military experience — not just one that says "we support veterans" on their website — can make a real difference in your transition. This guide covers the major programs, organizations, and companies that actively recruit and support veterans.

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and may not reflect recent changes. Always verify with the official source linked below. This is not legal, medical, or financial advice.

Hiring Our Heroes (HOH)

A program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation dedicated to connecting veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses with meaningful employment.

What They Offer

  • Corporate Fellowship Program: 12-week fellowships with major employers during your last 180 days of active duty (through DoD SkillBridge)
  • Hiring events and career fairs across the country
  • Military Spouse Employment Program

Results: Connected more than 53,000 veterans and military spouses to jobs in 2022 alone.

hiringourheroes.org

Helmets to Hardhats

A nationwide nonprofit that connects veterans to career training and jobs in the construction trades.

What They Offer

  • Access to federally-approved apprenticeship programs in electrical, plumbing, carpentry, ironwork, pipe fitting, and other skilled trades
  • Training provided by trade organizations at no cost to the veteran
  • Apprenticeships typically lead to well-paying union careers with benefits

Why it matters: Construction trades offer strong earning potential ($50,000–$100,000+), do not require a college degree, and value the discipline and skills veterans bring.

helmetstohardhats.org

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)

A Department of Defense office (established 1972) that promotes cooperation between Reserve Component service members and their civilian employers.

What They Do

  • Educate employers about their obligations under USERRA (Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act)
  • Mediate conflicts between Guard/Reserve members and employers over military duties
  • Recognize employers who go above and beyond in supporting military employees
  • Over 4,500 volunteers serve on state committees nationwide

Important note: ESGR does NOT enforce USERRA — they educate and mediate. For enforcement, contact the Department of Labor's VETS program.

esgr.mil

Hire Heroes USA

The highest-rated veteran employment nonprofit in the country (4-star Charity Navigator rating, 100% score, GuideStar Platinum Seal).

What They Offer (All Free)

  • One-on-one career coaching with a dedicated transition specialist
  • Professional resume writing and revision
  • Mentoring
  • Job board and career fairs
  • Workshops on job search skills

Results: Contributed to more than 13,000 veteran hires in 2023. Eligible: service members, veterans, and military spouses — no cost, no catch.

hireheroesusa.org

American Corporate Partners (ACP)

A national nonprofit that pairs veterans with corporate mentors for professional development.

  • Year-long mentorship with a professional at a partner company
  • Mentors help with career planning, resume review, networking, and professional development
  • Partners include Fortune 500 companies

acp-usa.org

HIRE Vets Medallion Award

The only federal-level veterans' employment award, administered by the Department of Labor. It recognizes companies that demonstrate a commitment to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development.

Why it matters to you: Companies that earn this award have proven, measurable veteran hiring programs — they are not just talking about it.

How to find awardees: Visit hirevets.gov to see which companies have earned the medallion.

Veteran Jobs Mission

Formerly known as the "100,000 Jobs Mission," this is a coalition of over 250 companies originally organized by JPMorgan Chase. The coalition has surpassed 1 million veteran hires across its member companies, which include major employers across technology, finance, healthcare, energy, and other industries.

Industries That Actively Recruit Veterans

Defense and Aerospace

The most natural fit for many veterans. Companies like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, and General Dynamics actively seek veterans. Many offer SkillBridge internships and dedicated veteran recruiters. Security clearances are a major advantage here.

Technology

Major tech companies have formal veteran hiring programs. Skills in cybersecurity, IT, project management, and operations translate well. Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Salesforce, and Cisco have dedicated veteran programs.

Healthcare

VA hospitals hire veterans for clinical and administrative roles. Private healthcare systems value veterans' ability to work under pressure. Medical training and certifications from the military often transfer. CommonSpirit Health runs a Veteran Initiative Pathways (VIP) Program.

Skilled Trades and Construction

Helmets to Hardhats connects veterans to apprenticeships. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, welders, and heavy equipment operators are in demand. Military technical training often provides a head start on apprenticeship requirements.

Law Enforcement and Security

Federal agencies (FBI, DEA, ATF, CBP, Secret Service, U.S. Marshals) actively recruit veterans. State and local police departments often give veterans hiring preference. Private security firms also seek veterans.

Financial Services

JPMorgan Chase has hired nearly 20,000 veterans since 2011 and runs a Military Pathways Development Program. Other major banks (USAA, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) have veteran programs as well.

Energy and Utilities

Nuclear-trained Navy veterans are highly sought by nuclear power plants. Pipeline, drilling, and power generation companies value veterans' technical skills and safety culture.

Transportation and Logistics

UPS, FedEx, and major trucking companies have veteran hiring programs. Military logistics and supply chain experience translates directly. CDL training programs often offer veteran discounts or free training through VA benefits.

Notable Companies with Veteran Hiring Programs

Technology

  • Amazon: Military hiring program, AWS re/Start for veterans, SkillBridge partnerships
  • Microsoft: Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA) — free training for transitioning service members in cloud development, server administration, and cybersecurity
  • Salesforce: Military Alliance provides free Salesforce training and certification, career coaching, and employment opportunities. Ranked #1 on Forbes' 2025 Best Employers for Veterans
  • Google: Veterans and military families career support, Google IT Certificate scholarships

Defense and Engineering

  • HII (Huntington Ingalls Industries): Over 18% of workforce are veterans. Dedicated veteran recruiters, leadership development programs. HIRE Vets Medallion Award recipient
  • Lockheed Martin: Military Relations team, SkillBridge partnerships, veteran employee resource groups
  • Boeing: Veteran engagement team, SkillBridge host, active recruitment at military installations

Finance

  • JPMorgan Chase: Nearly 20,000 veteran hires since 2011. Military Pathways Development Program. Co-founded the Veteran Jobs Mission (250+ company coalition, 1M+ hires)
  • USAA: Founded by and for military members; veterans make up a significant portion of workforce

Healthcare

  • CommonSpirit Health: Veteran Initiative Pathways (VIP) Program for veteran and military spouse careers
  • VA Healthcare System: The largest employer of veterans in the country

Federal Contractor Requirements (VEVRAA)

If a company has federal contracts or subcontracts worth $150,000 or more, they are required by law to actively recruit and hire veterans.

What VEVRAA Requires

The Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) requires these contractors to:

  • Take affirmative action to recruit, hire, and promote veterans
  • Set annual hiring benchmarks for protected veteran categories
  • Track and report veteran hiring data
  • Include equal opportunity clauses in their contracts
  • Not discriminate against disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, active duty wartime or campaign badge veterans, or Armed Forces service medal veterans

The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) at the Department of Labor enforces these requirements. Thousands of companies with federal contracts are legally required to make an effort to hire veterans. Look for federal contractors in your field — they have both the incentive and the legal obligation to hire you.

How to Find Veteran-Friendly Employers

Check Award Lists

Use Veteran-Focused Job Boards

Attend Veteran Hiring Events

  • Hiring Our Heroes career fairs (in-person and virtual)
  • RecruitMilitary job fairs
  • DAV/RecruitMilitary career fairs
  • Military installation transition assistance job fairs

Use Transition Programs

  • DoD SkillBridge: Lets you intern with a civilian employer during your last 180 days of service. Many SkillBridge internships convert to full-time jobs.
  • Career Skills Programs (CSP): Unit-level programs offering civilian training during transition.

Tips for Working with Veteran-Friendly Employers

  1. Look beyond the label. A company's veteran hiring program is only as good as its execution. Check employee reviews on Glassdoor and ask other veterans about their experience.
  2. Use your network. Connect with veteran employee resource groups at companies you are interested in. Current veteran employees can provide insight and referrals.
  3. Take advantage of free resources. Programs like Hire Heroes USA, Hiring Our Heroes, and ACP are completely free and can significantly accelerate your job search.
  4. Do not limit yourself to defense. While defense contractors are a natural fit, industries like technology, healthcare, energy, and finance also have strong veteran hiring programs.
  5. Start early. If you are still in service, begin your transition planning at least 12 months before separation. Apply for SkillBridge fellowships early — they fill up fast.
  6. Target federal contractors. Companies with VEVRAA obligations are legally required to recruit veterans. They have the infrastructure to support your transition.