Veterans and Spouses

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provides a comprehensive framework for workforce development programs, ensuring priority access to services for certain populations, including veterans. WIOA veteran services are designed to help veterans, eligible spouses, and transitioning service members access the resources they need to find employment, improve their skills, and build successful careers.

Priority of Service for Veterans
Under WIOA, veterans and eligible spouses receive priority of service for all workforce development programs, including those providing career services, job training, and job search assistance. This ensures that veterans and their families are given the support they need to transition to civilian careers and access high-quality job opportunities.

Veterans and eligible spouses who meet the WIOA eligibility criteria will be prioritized for the following services:

  1. Career Counseling and Job Search Assistance: Guidance to help veterans explore career options and secure employment.
  2. Training Services: Support for skills development, including short-term and long-term training programs tailored to specific career fields.
  3. Job Placement and Referral Services: Assistance in connecting with employers who are seeking skilled workers.
  4. Job Retention Services: Resources and support to help veterans maintain their employment and advance in their careers.

Eligibility for WIOA Veteran Services
To qualify for WIOA veteran services, individuals must meet the general eligibility criteria for WIOA services listed on the Job Seeker page. Specifically, veterans and eligible spouses must be:

  • A veteran who served in the active military, naval, or air service and was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
  • An eligible spouse, which includes:
    • A spouse of a veteran who is disabled, missing in action, or has died as a result of service-related disabilities.
    • A spouse of a service member who is currently serving on active duty.

Access to WIOA Veteran Services
To access WIOA veteran services you may:

  • Visit the SLOCal Careers Center located at 3450 Broad St, Suite 103A, San Luis Obispo CA 93401 in the Acacia Creek Business Park. The center is open Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. 
  • Call (805) 439-2557 for more information or to schedule an appointment 
  • Email SLOCal@eckerd.org
  • Visit online SLOCalCareers.org