Employment Preference for Servicemembers, Veterans, and their spouses

Veterans may face significant barriers that make it difficult for them to find suitable employment, when transitioning back into civilian life. Currently, NC Government is the single largest employer in the State. Veterans, disabled Veterans, their spouses, and National Guard members receive preference when applying for state, county and local government jobs in North Carolina. In July 2026, Governor Josh Stein signed Senate Bill 1041, expanding this employment preference to the spouses of active-duty servicemembers.

 “It shall be the policy of the State of North Carolina that, in appreciation for their service to this State and this country during a period of war, and in recognition of the time and advantage lost toward the pursuit of a civilian career, veterans shall be granted preference in employment with every State department, agency, and institution. “ ~NCGS 126-80, Article 13

NC Licensing Boards

NC is now offering Veterans with certain Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) credit toward several NC License occupations.  In reference to NC General Assembly Session Law 2014-67, License Boards representing several NC License occupations have been required to provide a process to recognize military training in pursuing a licensed occupation in NC. 

State Resources

North Carolina for Military Employment (NC4ME)

NC4ME is a comprehensive public-private partnership designed to make NC the number one state for military employment. Established by the Governor in 2015, NC4ME leverages existing workforce development resources and technology to implement an employer-centric strategy that:

  • Educates NC’s business leaders on the value of hiring a military workforce,
  • Shows small businesses and human resource professionals how to hire military personnel, and
  • Connects military talent to open jobs, education, and training opportunities in North Carolina.

By centering its focus on the "demand side" of the employment equation, NC4ME serves as a perfect complement to the vast number of programs currently preparing veterans for civilian employment and gives a much needed boost to military job seekers in North Carolina. More than just the "right thing" to do, hiring veterans drives business results for North Carolina's employers and economic growth for our state. Please join us as we help NC businesses to better utilize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of our veterans and service members. Together we will make North Carolina the #1 state for military employment. | Learn more about NC4ME

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NCWorks

NCWorks Career Center

NCWorks Career Centers were created to give job-seekers the tools they need to find work, improve their skills, and connect them to other resources needed to make a good impression on employers. | Locate your nearest NCWorks Career Center

NCWorks Online

The state’s official job-search website, NCWorks Online gives veterans access to job postings for 24 hours before they are made available to the general public. The system provides information on training opportunities, local services, and other resources available to Veterans. Employers can also search exclusively for candidates who are Veterans. | Learn more about NCWorks Online

Veteran Services

Home to nearly 800,000 veterans and several major military installations, North Carolina has a distinguished history in serving the U.S. military, veterans, and their families. The N.C. Division of Workforce Solutions provides job seeker services for veterans, transitioning service members, and eligible spouses.

How It Works

Veterans can visit their NCWorks Career Center and take advantage of the following no-cost services:

  • Career assessments
  • Labor market information
  • Access to training opportunities, job fairs, and workshops
  • Job interview preparation
  • Resume and cover letter assistance
  • Assistance with NCWorks Online
  • Access to computers and free Internet service
  • Help applying for federal employment and training programs in which veterans receive priority of service

Some veterans face significant barriers that make it difficult for them to find suitable employment, especially vets who are transitioning into civilian life. Most offices have specialized staff—all of whom are veterans—who work closely with employers to create more opportunities for veterans and provide the following services to veterans themselves:

  • Help developing an employability plan and goals
  • Coaching in individual and group settings
  • Referrals to supportive services, including vocational rehabilitation, transportation, elder care, food and nutrition services, and non-profit organizations that address homelessness

The following criteria are considered significant barriers to employment:

  • Disabilities
  • Homelessness
  • Unemployed for at least 27 weeks
  • Criminal background (released within the last 12 months)
  • No high school diploma or GED
  • Low income
  • Between 18-24 years old

Access the NCWorks Veterans Portal

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NC Community College System

The NC Community College System houses North Carolina's State Apprenticeship Agency, known as Apprenticeship NC. The ApprenticeshipNC team works directly with employers, educational institutions, and community partners in all 100 North Carolina counties to design, launch, and expand Registered Apprenticeship and Registered Pre-Apprenticeship Programs. ANC also acts as an information source for individuals interested in pursuing career opportunities through Registered Apprenticeship. | Learn more about ApprenticeshipNC

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Work For Warriors

The North Carolina National Guard offers an employment center called Work for Warriors to increase and support career opportunities for reserve-component soldiers, Veterans, military spouses, and qualifying dependents.| Learn more about Work for Warriors

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Hiring Our Heroes

Hiring Our Heroes (HOH), a national non-profit, connects the military community—service members, military spouses, and Veterans—with American businesses to create economic opportunity and a strong and diversified workforce. | Learn more about Hiring Our Heroes

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OSHR Military Spouse Transition Program

The Military Spouse Transition Program supports military spouses employed by state government agencies in NASPE member states as they relocate to or from North Carolina. The program provides access to career resources including resume assistance, skills translation, and employment connections to aid in re‑employment. | Learn more about the Military Spouse Transition Program

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