Veterans Internship Program

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is proud to offer the Veterans Internship Program (VIP).

It launched in September 2006 with the support of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and continues with FHWA’s financial assistance as an authorized Civil Rights On-The-Job Training / Supportive Services program. 

The program assists disabled veterans with the transition from recent military service to full-time civilian careers. 

The goal is to help each veteran obtain a rewarding full-time position within one year of enrollment.

It provides on-the-job career development opportunities to service-disabled veterans deployed during the Gulf War Era.

Eligible veterans may be unable to return to former jobs due to the nature of their disabilities, or may be seeking civilian employment for the first time.

VDOT was the first transportation department in the nation to create a program of this type and has served as a model for other states to follow.

The program ensures all reasonable workplace accommodations and allows veterans to enhance skills developed during their service, applying them in civilian, transportation-related roles.

Each veteran receives highly specialized, on-the-job training under some of the most experienced transportation professionals in the country. 

Veterans are placed in VDOT divisions by request, and feature areas including:

• Planning
• Finance
• Project management
• Inspection
• Security
• Procurement
• Quality control
• Information systems
• Construction
• Environmental compliance

Interns may also take part in formal classroom training to gain specific technical expertise.

Regular program meetings feature career development and support activities, and rely on collaboration with major public and private partners dedicated to serving veterans.

The program has been effective in helping service-disabled veterans transition to the civilian workforce and achieve career success.

Participants use their internship experience to find full-time jobs at VDOT, with other government agencies or in private industry.

VDOT VIP is a one-year, hourly/wage program paying $25 per hour.

How To Apply 

1. Go to the internship posting: VDOT Veterans Internship Program. Complete the application and attach the following:

• Cover letter
• Copy of your DD-214
• Veterans Administration letter confirming a service-connected disability rating of 10% or more
• Resume
• Transcript

3. Submit your application with all the attachments.

For more information about the program, contact the VDOT Civil Rights Division at 804-786-2018 or WVPinternship@vdot.virginia.gov.