Veteran Workforce Development

Header image: U.S. Army photo by Kayla Overton

Quick Answer

Veteran workforce development is the set of programs that help service members and veterans move into civilian careers, and help employers recruit them. Key tools include DoD SkillBridge, Helmets to Hardhats, GI Bill benefits for apprenticeships and on-the-job training, VA Veteran Readiness and Employment, and Registered Apprenticeship. For the skilled trades, they are a direct line to disciplined, safety-minded talent.

Veteran Workforce Development By The Numbers

The BLS Employment Situation of Veterans report, released April 28, 2026, gives the latest view. In 2025, the unemployment rate for all veterans was 3.5 percent, up from 3.0 percent the year before but still below the 4.2 percent rate for nonveterans. For Gulf War-era II veterans, those who served since September 2001, the rate was 3.6 percent. There were 294,000 unemployed veterans in 2025.

One detail matters for employers: in August 2025, 50 percent of Gulf War-era II veterans had a service-connected disability, compared with 34 percent of all veterans. Many of these veterans are fully capable of skilled work. Employers that understand accommodations and VA programs have an advantage in hiring them.

A note on the data: the October 2025 survey was not collected because of the federal government shutdown, so BLS built the 2025 annual averages from 11 months, and BLS says they are not strictly comparable with other years.

Workforce Programs For Service Members Still In Uniform

DoD SkillBridge. SkillBridge lets eligible service members train with civilian employers through apprenticeships, internships, and job training during their final months of service. For employers, it is a way to bring on a transitioning service member and train them before they separate.

Military OneSource. Free transition and career resources for service members and families.

Workforce Development Programs For Veterans

Helmets to Hardhats. Connects veterans, service members, and Guard and Reserve members with careers in the building and construction trades, including carpenters, electrical workers, ironworkers, laborers, and more. Read about one of the trades' programs in the UBC Military Veterans Program.

GI Bill on-the-job training and apprenticeships. According to the VA, veterans learning a trade through on-the-job training or an apprenticeship can use GI Bill benefits to help cover living expenses while they earn a wage. Details for Post-9/11 benefits are on the VA Post-9/11 GI Bill page.

Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31). VA's VR&E program helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and keep suitable jobs, and also supports self-employment.

Registered Apprenticeship. The Department of Labor's apprenticeship site has a job finder for apprenticeship openings and a dedicated section for employers who want to hire veterans.

Hiring Our Heroes. A U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation program offering hiring events, fellowships, and a skilled trades academy for transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.

VA careers and employment. A hub for job search help, transition assistance, and veteran-owned small business support.

Why Veterans Fit The Skilled Trades

Military service builds the habits a jobsite needs: following procedures, working as a team, staying calm under pressure, and taking PPE seriously. Many veterans already have hands-on experience with heavy equipment, electrical systems, logistics, and construction. For more on the path, see Transitioning from military to skilled trades and Why skilled trades matter more than ever.

What Employers Can Do To Hire Veterans

• Become a SkillBridge partner and recruit from bases near your projects.
• Register an apprenticeship program so veterans can use GI Bill benefits while they train with you.
• Translate military experience. Train hiring managers to read military job codes and value leadership experience.
• Make accommodations easy. With half of post-9/11 veterans reporting a service-connected disability, a clear accommodation process widens your talent pool.
• Take head safety seriously. Many veterans have lived with traumatic brain injury risk. A jobsite that issues modern Type II helmets with chin straps sends a clear message. See Preventing traumatic brain injuries.
• Buy from veteran-owned businesses. Supporting SDVOSB suppliers keeps veterans employed across the supply chain. See Supporting veteran-owned businesses.

Veteran Workforce Key Statistics

• 3.5% unemployment rate for all veterans in 2025, versus 4.2% for nonveterans (BLS, released April 28, 2026).
• 3.6% unemployment rate for Gulf War-era II veterans in 2025 (same source).
• 294,000 unemployed veterans in 2025 (same source).
• 50% of Gulf War-era II veterans had a service-connected disability in August 2025, versus 34% of all veterans (same source).

Related PPE Products

Outfitting a veteran apprenticeship cohort or new crew? PPE bundles | Type II safety helmets | Hi-vis vests | Gloves

Related Veteran Resources

Transitioning from military to skilled trades. A practical roadmap.

UBC Military Veterans Program. A trades program built for veterans.

Supporting veteran-owned businesses. How buyers can help.

Supporting veterans beyond their service. BDG's commitment.

What is an SDVOSB?. The certification behind veteran-owned federal suppliers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Veteran Workforce Development

Q: Can veterans use the GI Bill for an apprenticeship?

A: Yes. VA supports on-the-job training and apprenticeships, and benefits can help with living expenses while you train. Check the VA site for eligibility and rates.

Q: Is SkillBridge only for large companies?

A: No. Employers of many sizes participate. Review the requirements on the SkillBridge site.

Q: Does Helmets to Hardhats cost anything?

A: Check the program site for current details. It is designed to connect veterans with trade careers and apprenticeship programs.

Q: Where do veteran-owned businesses fit in?

A: Veteran-owned and SDVOSB companies hire veterans and give buyers a way to support them. BDG Safety is one of them.

BDG Safety: Veteran-Owned, Mission-Focused

BDG Safety was founded by Navy veterans. If you are outfitting a veteran hiring program or apprenticeship class, we will help you get the right gear on day one. Call (619) 992-7621 or email info@bulldoggroup.net. BDG Safety is a Navy-veteran-founded, certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that supplies Type II safety helmets and PPE to contractors, agencies, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Real people who know the gear, no phone menus. Open a B2B account or see how to buy.

Explore more guides in the BDG Safety Resource Center.