The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers assistance to U.S. military veterans who want to translate their military skills, experience and training into career options that best suit their capabilities.

To get started, log onto https://mst.vaforvets.va.gov/mst/va/ and define your military experience by adding your Military Job Title (for example, your MOS, MOSC, Rating, Designator). Once this information is selected, you can add your subspecialties and training to further customize the job postings available to you.

From CareerOneStop, a pathway to career success sponsored by the U.S.; Department of Labor, here are some specialty programs to help connect veterans to specific industries:

* Troops to Teachers (https://www.proudtoserveagain.com/) is a U.S. Department of Defense program that helps current and former military personnel begin new careers as teachers in public schools. TTT helps participants identify certification requirements, programs leading to certification, and job opportunities.

* Helmets to Hardhats (https://www.helmetstohardhats.org/military-service-members) is a national, nonprofit program that connects National Guard, Reserve, retired and transitioning active-duty military service members with skilled training and quality career opportunities in the construction industry. Most career opportunities offered by the program are connected to federally approved apprenticeship training programs.

* Military to Mariners (https://www.marad.dot.gov/mariners_landing_page/veterans/Veterans-Military-to-Mariners.htm) helps connect veterans to careers in the U.S. Merchant Marine. The program, through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration, provides information about the Merchant Marines as well as how to apply for certificates and licenses using Navy or Coast Guard experience.

* Veterans in Piping (https://www.uavip.org/veterans) offers high-quality skills training and jobs in the pipe trades to U.S. veterans and active duty military personnel preparing to leave the service. VIP is a program of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States, Canada, and Australia.

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For more information from CareerOneStop on translating your military skills, visit: Career One Stop