🎖️ Veterans Employment & Training Resources in Chicago
City of Chicago Veteran’s Resource Office
- Offers workshops, job search assistance, resume help, and in-person services via Illinois workNet sites.
[chicago.gov]
Chicago Veterans – Employment Readiness Program
- Pipeline to local employers via virtual employment board, job fairs, interviews, and resume coaching.
- Access to VetHub: shared office space with job-seeking tools (Wi‑Fi, printers, binder supplies).
[chicagovets.org]
The Chicago Lighthouse – Veterans Employment Project
- Paid on‑the‑job training for veterans in customer service roles.
- Covers basic CS training, orientation, and up to four weeks of skills training.
- Contact: Learnus Ross, Veteran Coordinator – (312) 997‑1683, Learnus.Ross@chicagolighthouse.org.
[chicagolig…thouse.org]
VA Chicago Healthcare System (Jesse Brown VA)
- Hiring across clinical, administrative, and support roles.
- Internships, residencies, fellowships, and volunteer options available.
- Contact HR at (312) 569‑7191, visit USAJOBS for current listings.
[chicago.gov], [va.gov]
🏛️ County & State Programs
Cook County Veterans Affairs – Employment & Job Training
- Preference given to honorably discharged veterans applying to county jobs.
- Connects with Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership for job coaching, placement, and training.
[cookcountyil.gov], [veterans.i…linois.gov]
Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) – Veteran Services
- Priority employment services through American Job Centers (30+ locations).
- Specialists assist with IDES JobLink, resume writing, job search, and hiring incentives.
- Email: DES.MyVetRep@illinois.gov
[ides.illinois.gov], [veterans.i…linois.gov]
Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs – Employment Resources
- Veteran-specific support via IDES and Department of Central Management Services (CMS).
- Includes Illinois JobLink (“American Flag” veteran indicator), assistance in registering, and locating services.
[veterans.i…linois.gov], [commercial…hicago.org]
Illinois CMS Veterans Outreach Program
- Career counseling for state government jobs, preference points in hiring.
- Secure DD‑214 storage and streamlined application process.
- Email: VeteransOutreachByEmail@illinois.gov, Phone: (800) 643‑8138 or (217) 524‑1313.
[careers.illinois.gov]
đź“š Training & Workforce Development
Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership
- WIOA-funded job training, career coaching, and employer connections.
- Veterans receive priority access for training and support.
[cookcountyil.gov], [chicookworks.org]
Illinois workNet – Veteran Assistance Guide
- Career tools for resume building, training options, skill mapping, benefits overview, and local offices.
- Free and accessible via community colleges and libraries.
[illinoisworknet.com], [veterans.i…linois.gov]
U.S. Department of Labor – Veterans’ Employment & Training Service (VETS)
- Workshops, career navigation tools, employer resources, and grant opportunities.
- Includes My Next Move for Veterans, National Resource Directory, training guidance.
[dol.gov], [dol.gov]
🆓 Free Resources & Career Tools
- Illinois JobLink – Online job search with veteran flag, resume builder, and statewide listings.
[veterans.i…linois.gov], [ides.illinois.gov] - My Next Move for Veterans – Online tool to map military skills to civilian careers.
[dol.gov] - National Resource Directory – Veteran support for employment, recovery, reintegration.
[dol.gov] - CareerScope / O*NET Interest Profiler – Online assessments for career aptitude (VA).
[va.gov]
đź“ž Contact & How to Get Started
- Visit or call local American Job Center to connect with IDES Veteran Services.
(Use IDES locator or email DES.MyVetRep@illinois.gov)
[ides.illinois.gov], [veterans.i…linois.gov] - Register on Illinois JobLink to access listings, veterans’ flag, and AI resume tools.
[veterans.i…linois.gov], [ides.illinois.gov] - Engage with key programs like Chicago Veterans, Chicago Lighthouse, Cook County, and VA employers.
- Use training support via Cook Workforce, Illinois workNet, and VETS for workshops and education.
This page blends local and statewide veteran-focused job supports with practical guidance to help Veterans jumpstart their civilian careers in Chicago. Let me know if you’d like HTML layout suggestions or integration tools!
