Veterans, service members, military spouses and eligible family members in Asheville and Western North Carolina can find job search support, career training, college benefits and education resources through NCWorks, VA education programs, local colleges, apprenticeships and veteran-serving organizations.

This guide is a starting point for veterans and military families looking for work, changing careers, using GI Bill benefits, starting college, finding training or connecting with employment support.

Start with NCWorks

NCWorks Online is North Carolina’s official job-search website. Veterans using NCWorks can search jobs, create resumes, explore education and training opportunities and connect with local employment services.

The N.C. Department of Commerce says veterans get access to new job postings in NCWorks Online for 24 hours before those jobs are made available to the general public.

Start here: NCWorks veterans job resources

Veterans, transitioning service members and eligible spouses can use NCWorks for:

  • Job search support
  • Resume help
  • Career planning
  • Training information
  • Local workforce services
  • Veteran employment resources
  • Connections with employers seeking veterans

NCWorks Career Centers in Western North Carolina

Veterans looking for local job search help can contact an NCWorks Career Center. Services may include job search assistance, resume support, career counseling, training referrals, workshops and help using NCWorks Online.

Find a local center: NCWorks Career Center directory

Search by city, county or ZIP code to find the nearest office in Asheville, Hendersonville, Waynesville, Brevard, Marion, Morganton, Sylva, Franklin, Murphy or other Western North Carolina communities.

Veterans Services of the Carolinas employment support

Veterans Services of the Carolinas helps veterans, service members and families connect with support related to housing, employment, health care and community reintegration.

Phone: 855-962-8387
Email: vsc@abccm.org

Veterans Services of the Carolinas may be a useful starting point for veterans who need help with job readiness, employment navigation, housing stability or multiple needs at once.

ABCCM Veterans Services of the Carolinas says its employment and training work includes support through the Department of Labor’s Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program for training and employment.

VA education and training benefits

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers education and training benefits for eligible veterans, service members and family members.

Start here: VA education and training benefits

VA education benefits may help pay for:

  • College degrees
  • Community college programs
  • Technical training
  • Certificate programs
  • Licensing and certification tests
  • Apprenticeships
  • On-the-job training
  • Some flight training programs
  • Career preparation

Eligibility and payment rules vary by benefit, school and program. Veterans and family members should confirm eligibility with VA and with the school’s certifying official before enrolling.

GI Bill benefits

The GI Bill can help eligible veterans, service members and family members pay for education or training.

Start here: GI Bill benefits

For questions about remaining benefits or eligibility, contact VA education support.

GI Bill Hotline: 888-GI-BILL-1
Phone: 888-442-4551

Veterans should use official VA tools and speak with a school certifying official before making enrollment decisions.

GI Bill Comparison Tool

The GI Bill Comparison Tool helps veterans and family members compare schools and training programs approved for VA education benefits.

Use the tool before enrolling to compare:

  • Approved schools and employers
  • Estimated GI Bill benefits
  • Tuition and fees
  • Housing allowance information
  • Graduation and student outcome information, when available
  • Veteran-related school information

This tool can help veterans choose a school or training program that fits their goals and benefits.

Veterans Readiness and Employment

Veterans Readiness and Employment, also known as VR&E or Chapter 31, helps eligible veterans and service members with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find and keep suitable employment.

VR&E may help with:

  • Career counseling
  • Job training
  • Resume development
  • Employment accommodations
  • Education or training plans
  • Independent living support for some veterans

Veterans should review eligibility requirements and apply through VA.

On-the-job training and apprenticeships

Some veterans can use GI Bill benefits for approved on-the-job training or apprenticeship programs.

Start here: VA on-the-job training and apprenticeships

The U.S. Department of Labor says eligible veterans in approved apprenticeships may be able to use GI Bill benefits and receive a tax-free monthly housing stipend while learning a new skill.

Learn more: U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeship resources for veterans

Veterans interested in apprenticeships in North Carolina can also review resources from ApprenticeshipNC.

Local colleges and veteran education support

Many colleges in Western North Carolina have staff who help veterans, service members and eligible family members use VA education benefits. Before enrolling, ask to speak with the school’s veterans services office, military student services office or certifying official.

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

A-B Tech Veterans Services helps student veterans and military-affiliated students navigate VA education benefits.

The college says its Veterans Coordinator is located in the K. Ray Bailey Student Services Center and may be reached by email.

Email: veteranservices@abtech.edu

A-B Tech also provides information about VA education benefits at A-B Tech, including steps for students using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits or other VA education programs.

Blue Ridge Community College

Blue Ridge Community College Veterans Services provides resources for veterans and military-affiliated students.

The school’s veterans page includes links to the GI Bill Comparison Tool, VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services, Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance and other support resources.

Haywood Community College

Haywood Community College Veteran Services supports veterans and dependents using GI Bill benefits.

HCC says students using veteran benefits should be prepared to complete admissions steps, submit class schedules to the VA certifying official and provide prior college transcripts and military transcripts when needed.

Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University Military Student Services assists military-connected students with benefits, transition support and academic resources.

WCU also provides information about military education benefits, including Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, Montgomery GI Bill benefits, Veterans Readiness and Employment and Dependents’ Educational Assistance.

WCU participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program for qualifying students using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits at the 100% level who are charged out-of-state tuition.

UNC Asheville

UNC Asheville Veterans & Service Members provides information for students using VA education benefits.

UNC Asheville lists several VA education benefit programs it accepts, including Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance, Vocational Rehabilitation and Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve.

UNC Asheville also provides information for veteran students, including how to start education benefits and how to verify monthly enrollment for certain VA benefit programs.

UNC System military-affiliated student resources

The University of North Carolina System military-affiliated students page provides information for veterans, service members, military spouses and dependents attending UNC System schools.

The UNC System says military-affiliated students should connect with their university’s point of contact to learn about VA work-study programs, scholarships and other support.

The UNC System also says it has policies intended to reduce barriers for military-affiliated students, including waiving admission application fees for current and former service members and providing priority registration for students using VA education benefits.

Scholarships and education support for family members

Some spouses, dependents and surviving family members may qualify for education benefits or scholarships.

Start here:

Eligibility rules vary. Family members should confirm requirements before applying or enrolling.

Military transcripts and transfer credit

Veterans may be able to receive college credit for some military training or prior coursework, depending on the school and program.

Ask the school’s veterans services office or admissions office about:

  • Joint Services Transcript, or JST
  • Community College of the Air Force transcript
  • Prior college transcripts
  • Transfer credit deadlines
  • Program requirements
  • How military credit applies to a degree or certificate

Transfer credit rules vary by school and academic program.

Before enrolling in a school or training program

Before using VA education benefits, ask these questions:

  • Is the school or program approved for VA education benefits?
  • Which GI Bill or VA education benefit applies to me?
  • How much of my tuition and fees will be covered?
  • Will I receive a housing allowance?
  • Are books, supplies, tools or equipment covered?
  • Will I have out-of-pocket costs?
  • Who is the school certifying official?
  • What documents do I need before classes begin?
  • How will military transfer credit apply to my program?
  • What happens if I drop a class or change programs?
  • Are there job placement services for graduates?

Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool and speak with the school’s certifying official before enrolling.

What to have ready

When contacting a school, workforce office or veterans employment resource, it may help to have:

  • Photo ID
  • DD214 or discharge paperwork, if available
  • Certificate of Eligibility from VA, if available
  • VA education benefit chapter, if known
  • Joint Services Transcript or CCAF transcript, if available
  • Prior college transcripts
  • Resume or work history
  • List of military jobs, duties and skills
  • Career goals or training interests
  • Social Security number, if applying for benefits or school admission
  • Any VA letters related to education benefits

Do not delay asking for help if you do not have every document. A school certifying official, NCWorks staff member or Veterans Service Officer can explain what is needed.

If you are helping a veteran find work or training

Family members, caregivers and community members can help a veteran or service member take the first step by encouraging them to:

  • Create an account with NCWorks Online
  • Contact a local NCWorks Career Center
  • Review VA education benefits
  • Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool before enrolling
  • Talk with a school certifying official
  • Ask about apprenticeships and on-the-job training
  • Contact Veterans Services of the Carolinas for employment navigation
  • Contact a county Veterans Service Office for help understanding benefits

Explore the Veterans Guide

The 828newsNOW Veterans Guide includes local and regional resources for veterans, military families and caregivers in Asheville and Western North Carolina.