July 25, 2026
Wisconsin ranked fourth in the nation in 2025 for helping veterans find employment, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor. The state has maintained a top-five ranking for three consecutive years under the Uniform National Threshold Entered Employment Rate (UNTEER), a federal measure of how effectively states connect veterans with jobs.
The ranking reflects the work of veteran employment programs administered through the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). These programs provide employment services, job training assistance and connections to employers for veterans transitioning to civilian careers.
What the programs provide
The Department of Workforce Development’s Office of Veterans Employment Services assists veterans with:
- Resume development and interview preparation.
- Translating military experience into civilian job qualifications.
- Job placement services and employer connections.
- Access to education, training and apprenticeship opportunities.
According to DWD, more than 62% of participating veterans obtained employment after using the agency’s services during the program year ending in June 2025.
What state officials say
Gov. Tony Evers said veterans often face challenges as they transition to civilian life but bring valuable skills and training to the workforce. He said state efforts focus on connecting veterans with jobs, education, training opportunities and other support services designed to help them succeed after military service.
“Our veterans often face unique hurdles in their civilian lives, but the skills and training they’ve received through their service make them invaluable assets to our workforce,” Evers said.
Department of Workforce Development Secretary Amy Pechacek said Wisconsin employers continue to seek skilled workers and that veterans are an important source of talent for businesses across the state.
“Veterans bring invaluable experience and skills to the workforce, but they often face unique challenges in finding family-supporting employment when they return to civilian life,” Pechacek said. She added that the Office of Veterans Employment Services provides individualized support for veterans while partnering with employers looking to fill open positions.
Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary James Bond said the state’s strong ranking highlights the role of coordinated efforts among state agencies, local partners and employers.
“Wisconsin’s veterans bring discipline, leadership and hard-earned skills to our workforce, and this ranking reflects what happens when state agencies work together on their behalf,” Bond said.
Key veteran employment initiatives
Disabled Veteran Outreach Program (DVOP)
DVOP specialists work with veterans who face significant barriers to employment. Services include:
- Individualized career counseling.
- Job training and education referrals.
- Coordination with community support services.
Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER)
LVER staff partner with employers and workforce organizations to promote veteran hiring efforts through:
- Job fairs and hiring events.
- Employer outreach.
- Apprenticeship and internship partnerships.
Vets Ready Employer Initiative
The program recognizes employers that recruit, hire and retain veterans. Participating employers are highlighted through Wisconsin’s job-search resources to help veterans identify veteran-friendly workplaces.
Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment
Eligible veterans with service-connected disabilities of 30% or greater may apply for certain Wisconsin state government positions without competing in the standard civil service process.
Military Career Crosswalk Reference
This resource helps veterans connect military occupational specialties with civilian career fields and job opportunities.
Additional veteran support programs
State funding and programs have also supported:
- Housing assistance and supportive services for veterans.
- Workforce training and career development programs.
- Mental and behavioral health services.
- Transportation assistance.
- Operations and infrastructure improvements at Wisconsin Veterans Homes.
Resources for veterans
Veterans seeking assistance can access:
- 211 Wisconsin for local housing, employment and support services.
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
- Veteran Outreach and Recovery Program (VORP) for case management and treatment referrals.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Homeless Programs: 1-877-424-3838.
This version retains the officials’ statements about the program while removing political attacks, partisan comparisons and campaign-style language, focusing instead on the initiative’s goals, results and services available to Wisconsin veterans.
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