MAKE KENTUCKY YOUR POST-SERVICE HOME

Kentucky offers over 150,000 job opportunities and more than 44 accelerated career pathways that give you credit for the education and experience you gained in the military. You can skip lengthy job searches and certifications to quickly advance to your next career, and KY VALOR can help.

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GET PERSONALIZED SUPPORT FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

One-on-One Approach

We recognize your unique career goals and family needs to match you with employers and communities based on what’s important to you.Whether you are looking to continue your military specialty in the civilian sector or pursue a new career, we’ll help you make the most of your military experience. Connect with our team to get started.

Career Support for Military Spouses

We match military spouses with potential employers, even if you aren’t located in Kentucky. You can work remotely while your spouse is serving. From healthcare to manufacturing, you can find a flexible job to suit your current needs. Learn more about career support for military spouses.

Don’t Start From Scratch

We believe that the shortest pathway for the transitioning veteran is the best pathway. Put your education and experience to work and land a job ASAP using 44 pathways only available in Kentucky. These pathways lead to 55 licensed/certified occupations covering more than 180 Military Occupational Specialties. View the Career Pathways.

KY VALOR PAIRS TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS WITH PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS IN KENTUCKY

KY VALOR (Veterans Accelerated Licensure Occupational Recruitment) is a nonprofit organization that helps veterans capitalize on their military experience to meet career goals. We partner with employers throughout the Commonwealth to connect transitioning service members and their spouses with open job opportunities.

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YOUR NEW KENTUCKY HOME

There’s no better time to live in Kentucky. With more than 150,000 open jobs and record-breaking economic growth, there are more professional opportunities than ever. From vibrant cities to beautiful rural landscapes — all with affordable cost of living — you’re sure to find your ideal home in Kentucky. Select a region to explore what the Bluegrass State has to offer.

NORTHERN KENTUCKY WEST CENTRALKENTUCKY EAST CENTRAL KENTUCKY EASTERN KENTUCKY WESTERN KENTUCKY SOUTHERN KENTUCKY

Northern Kentucky

Northern Kentucky (NKY to the locals) combines small town charm with large city amenities. Just across the river from Cincinnati, you’ll have close access to CVG International Airport, museums, universities and professional sports teams..

Key Areas:
Covington
Newport
Florence
Maysville
Major Employers:
Newport Steel Company
FEAM Aero
Amazon
FedEx an DHL Aviation
Arlinghaus
CVG Airport
PSA Airlins

West Central Kentucky

West Central Kentucky is home to Louisville, Kentucky’s largest metropolitan region. The area is a major hub for transportation and distribution, being within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population. There’s plenty to do and see, with Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and Fort Knox all nearby.

Key Areas:
Louisville
Bardstown
Elizabethtown
Fort Knox
Major Employers:
UPS Worldport
Ford
GE Appliances
University of Louisville Health
Churchill Downs
Baird
Heaven Hill Distillery
Gillett Distillery
Arvato

East Central Kentucky

Kentucky’s capital, Frankfort and nearby Lexington can be found in the East Central Kentucky – the Horse Capital of the World. You’ll find beautiful horse farms and bourbon distilleries among the regions rolling Bluegrass hills.

Key Areas:
Lexington
Frankfort
Richmond
Danville
Berea
Major Employers:
Toyota
Lexmark
Valvoline Corporate
Lockheed Martin
Gray Construction
CHI Common Spirit
University of Kentucky Health
Longship

Western Kentucky

Bordered by the Mississippi and Ohio rivers and home to Kentucky’s two largest lakes, Western Kentucky is where you want to be if you like life on the water. The region is also known as the birthplace of Bluegrass music and for its legendary BBQ.

Key Areas:
Owensboro
Paducah
Murray
Hopkinsville
Fort Campbell
Major Employers:
Humana
Owensboro Health
City of Paducah
Carmuse, Audubon Metals
i5Design
Swift and Staley
Coco-Cola

Southern Kentucky

Nestled in between Kentucky’s major cities and Nashville, Southern Kentucky is where you go when you want to have the best of all worlds. Home to one of Kentucky’s fastest growing economic regions, you can spend your days outdoors at Mammoth Cave or Lake Cumberland and still enjoy city nightlife.

Key Areas:
Bowling Green
Somerset
Corbin
Glasgow
Major Employers:
Blue Oval SK
Western Kentucky University
Baptist Health
Hiller
Bowling Green Works
Taz Trucking
Hardin County Schools
Elizabethtown Independent Schools

Eastern Kentucky

Eastern Kentucky is bordered by the Appalachian Mountains and is a beautiful backdrop for outdoor adventures, Bluegrass music, and folk art. Whether you like fishing, hiking or caving, you’ll find something you love in Eastern Kentucky’s mountain landscape.

Key Areas:
Ashland
Morehead
Pikeville
Harlan
Hazard
Major Employers:
Pikeville Medical Center
Appalachian Regional Health
Teleworks EKECP
Rajant
Abound Credit

FIND A FULFILLING CIVILLIAN CAREER IN THE COMMONWEALTH

We’re here to help you find your next job and make a home in Kentucky.

STEP ONE: REGISTER

Set up your profile including your military experience and career goals.

STEP TWO: CONNECT WITH EMPLOYERS

We can help with your job search as little or as much as you like (we can also make employer introductions for you, even if they aren’t a current KY VALOR partner!).

STEP THREE: APPLY

Need help securing the right credentials or updating your license? We can help with that.

STEP FOUR: MAKE A NEW HOME IN KENTUCKY

Our support doesn’t end once you’ve landed your job. We can help you find the right resources to make Kentucky your new home.

NEWS & EVENTS

Photo of Nicki Stewart, KY VALOR's Workforce Development Manager, on a black background, next to her quote.

VALOR voices: Nicki on Bridging Military Service and Civilian Careers

Nicki Stewart Nicki discusses her experience working with veterans and their families through KY VALOR. Why does the work that KY VALOR does matter? Often service members leave the military and there’s a gap before their next step into a civilian position. Many installations do a great job helping them prepare with job search support,…

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Photo of Maya Reier, Talent Pipeline Coordinator. “What do you find most rewarding about working with veterans and their families?” Being able to say we helped, even if it’s in a small way, is so rewarding! One of my favorite moments each week is when Nicki, our Workforce Manager, shares who received job offers. Knowing we played a part in that is super meaningful.

VALOR voices: Maya on Supporting veterans and Families

Maya Reier Maya shares her perspective working with veterans and their families through KY VALOR. Why does the work that KY VALOR does matter? Because we get to serve those who have served our country. Our goal is to not only connect service members and their families with great employers, but to help make that…

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