Veteran Programs

The Kentucky Office of Employment and Training’ (OET) offices have Local Veterans Employment Representatives and Disabled Veteran Outreach Specialists assigned specifically to assist veterans with their employment and training needs. These dedicated veteran service staff work with other OET staff, Veterans' Employment and Training Service, Department of Veterans Affairs and various organizations whose focus is also to provide veterans with priority services designed to improve their employability and career options.

Job Placement

Employers in your local area list their job openings with the Office of Employment and Training (OET) and provide us with a job description and a list of qualifications required for the position. When you register with OET, you will need to provide information relating to your work history, experience, skills and any special training and education that you may have. This will allow us to conduct a more effective job search for you. You may visit the OET Office that is in your area to obtain personal assistance or you can Self-Register on-line.

In addition to our staff conducting job searches for you, our automated computer system will also match your qualifications with the employer's needs. When a job matching your qualifications occurs, you will be contacted by our Local Veteran Representatives or other agency staff. You may also be contacted by our automated phone notification system to arrange for a job referral that will hopefully result with you becoming employed.

Job Search Assistance

In our resource centers there are personal computers and staff to assist you in your job search and other employment related activities, such as:

Resume Preparation
Resource Materials
Job Search Workshops
Interviewing Techniques
Internet Access
Labor Market Information
Self Assessment
Eligible Training Providers

Programs and Services

The Office of Employment and Training is responsible for the administration of a number of programs and services designed to assist job and service seekers in a variety of employment related areas.

Virtual Workshop Center

The Office of Employment and Training wants to introduce you to our Virtual Workshop Center. Although we offer workshops at many of our locations, we understand that your schedule may not allow you the flexibility to attend these workshops in person. That is why we are providing you an alternative method of accessing these services.

Unemployment Compensation

You may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance Benefits when you complete military service and begin to seek employment or if you lose your civilian job.

Welfare-To-Work &
Work Opportunity Tax Credit

These federal programs encourage employers to hire certain types of workers, including veterans from families currently or recently receiving public assistance or food stamps. If you qualify, your employer can apply to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training for this federal income-tax credit.

U.S. Department of Labor

Kentucky Veteran's Employment & Training Service Representatives

The Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) provides policy guidelines and technical assistance in the implementation of VETS funded Programs in Kentucky. VETS funded programs in Kentucky include Homeless Veteran Reintegration Programs , the Transitional Assistance Program (TAP) provided to transitioning service members at Fort Knox and Fort Campbell and funding for veterans’ program specialists in Kentucky Office of Employment and Training offices and One-Stop Centers. VETS is also responsible for, conducting investigations of alleged violation of or disputes arising under the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA). The VETS staff assigned to Kentucky are:

Charles R. "Rick" Netherton, Director
Bonnie J. Kunkle, VPA

Veterans' Employment & Training Service
U.S. Department of Labor
Office of Employment and Training
275 East Main Street
(CHR Building), 2nd Floor West
Frankfort, Kentucky 40621-2339

Telephone: (502) 564-7062
FAX: (502) 564-1476

Robert Kuenzli, Assistant Director
320 Garrard Street
Covington, Kentucky 41011
Telephone: (859) 292-6666
FAX: (859) 292-6708

Getting Your Old Job Back: USERRA

The Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA) provides benefits and guidance to returning service members who are seeking re-employment with their former employers.

A veteran who has recently returned from a tour of duty has special reemployment rights under federal law. Veterans and members of the National Guard and Reserve called to active duty or training have the right to return to their civilian jobs – in both the private and public sectors – with all the benefits they would have accrued if not for their military service. If you qualify, your former employer could be required to reinstate you, complete with any seniority benefits that have accrued during your absence. You must apply for re-employment in a timely manner following your release from active duty. For more information on the USERRA please contact one of the VETS personnel listed above. (more about USERRA)

Employers with Federal Contracts

Employers who have contracts (or subcontracts) of $100,000 or more with the federal government are required to take affirmative action to hire and promote qualified veterans. These employers must list their job openings with the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training so that qualified campaign veterans and special disabled veterans can receive priority referrals for those jobs. These employers must file an annual report with Veterans Employment and Training Services (VETS) showing the number of campaign veterans and special disabled veterans in their work forces.

Federal Jobs for Disabled Veterans

Federal government agencies can fill job openings faster when they hire disabled veterans. For more information on how you can qualify for a position in federal government, please visit the website of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) at http://www.opm.gov/veterans/index.asp