Veterans Services Webpage Features Success Stories and Veterans Jobs Report
Video testimonials available on the EDD YouTube channel.
What You Need to Know: This Veterans Day, the Employment Development Department honors all who served in the United States Armed Forces. California provides veterans and their eligible spouses with priority of service to employment, training, and supportive resources. An updated 2024 Strengthening California’s Veteran Workforce webpage features these valuable resources for veterans transitioning from military service to a civilian career, including an annual California Veterans in the Workforce (PDF) report highlighting the latest data in California veteran employment.
November 11, 2024 - SACRAMENTO – In recognition of our nation’s annual salute to former military members for their sacrifices, the Employment Development Department (EDD) is highlighting important employment resources and priority services we provide to help veterans looking for work.
“We honor America’s veterans who served us, by serving them when they transition to civilian life,” said EDD Director Nancy Farias. “Veterans gain valuable skills and experience in the military. We have specialized programs to help them find meaningful careers that match those unique skills.”
“The return to civilian life can be challenging and even overwhelming at times for veterans. They deserve every opportunity and available resource as they return to their communities,” said California Department of Veteran Affairs Secretary Lindsey Sin, a U.S. Navy veteran. “CalVet is proud to count the EDD as a partner in ensuring that California’s veterans receive the services and benefits they have earned.”
California’s Veteran Workforce
In 2023, there were 1.3 million veterans living in California, which accounts for 7.4 percent of the nation’s veteran population. Approximately 580,000 California veterans were employed as of December 2023, with the majority of them working in occupations closely related to their previous military professions. The unemployment rate amongst California veterans decreased by 0.8 percentage points, from 3.9 percent in January 2023 to 3.1 percent in December 2023. This decrease suggests a healthy job market for veterans who remained in the workforce.
The most popular career fields for veterans in California include:
- Professional and related occupations
- Management, business, and financial jobs
- Service jobs
- Sales and related occupations
Research featured in EDD’s annual California Veterans in the Workforce (PDF) report shows that employers value and appreciate veterans’ contribution to the workplace. Their military experience helps them handle high-pressure situations, manage tasks effectively, and come up with creative solutions. Veterans are also known for being efficient team members.
Available Services for Veterans:
- Local EDD employment representatives at America’s Job Center of CaliforniaSM locations throughout the state provide job and career assistance to veterans. These veteran representatives work one-on-one and provide specialized assistance to veterans with significant barriers to employment.
- CalJOBSSM is EDD’s online labor exchange system and helps veterans translate their military training and specialties into marketable skills applicable to civilian jobs. Veterans will be directed to employers with job openings that match their military experience.
Additional Services for Employers:
- Local EDD employment representatives at America’s Job Center of California locations work with employers and help match their employment needs with qualified veterans.
- CalJOBS is available to employers to post job openings. Employers can also refine their candidate searches to focus on veterans.
- The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program provides employers a tax credit for hiring veterans who face special obstacles as they try to reenter the workforce.
Source: CA. EDD
