State of Michigan initiative opens up thousands of job opportunities for veterans

LANSING, Mich. – In a unique initiative that will open up thousands of job opportunities for military veterans, the State of Michigan is waiving its requirement of a bachelor's degree for many state jobs if the veteran completed at least two years of active federal service in any branch at the rank of E-6 or above.

Michigan appears to be the first state to waive the education requirements for veterans with two years of experience as an E-6 specifically for state jobs. Other states may consider military occupational specialty (MOS) and job experience while in the service when applying for jobs, or waive licensure and exam fees, but the education waiver appears to be a first.

The initiative was championed by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) and approved by the Michigan Civil Service Commission (MCSC).

"Michigan is committed to finding new ways to support our veterans and attract top talent to our state," says Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "Military members gain valuable skills and knowledge through their service that can't be replicated in a classroom, and that experience should be considered when applying for jobs. I am grateful for the efforts of the MVAA and the MCSC, and I encourage veterans who qualify to take advantage of this opportunity to come work for the State of Michigan."

Todd Butler, State Division Administrator of Strategic Outreach for the MVAA, said the idea came from difficulty in filling open positions and this new initiative will now allow qualified veterans to be eligible for jobs based on the valuable experience they have gained.

"We are ecstatic to see this initiative come to fruition," Butler said. "If a veteran has at least two years of experience at the E-6 level, they have proven that they're a professional in their craft and should be given credit for their experience. We anticipate this being a gamechanger for enlisted servicemembers looking to transition to the civilian world. This can open so many doors to veterans if they know they can get a good-paying job in Michigan without a degree."

The E-6 level military experience can substitute for the standard educational requirements for 13 state classifications: Buyer, Civil Rights Representative, Departmental Analyst, Economic/Community Development Analyst, Employment Services Analyst, Human Resources Analyst, Human Resources Developer, Occupational Safety Advisor, Promotional Agent, Property Analyst, Regulation Officer, Rights Representative, and Unemployment Insurance Analyst.

The 13 state classifications now have language under alternate education and experience that states: 'Educational level typically acquired through completion of high school and the equivalent of at least two years of full-time active-duty experience at or above the E-6 level in the uniformed services may be substituted for the education requirement.'

Eligible veterans will have two or more years of active federal service at the rank of E-6 or above in their respective branch: U.S. Army Staff Sergeant (SSG), U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant (SSgt), U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class (PO1), U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant (TSgt), U.S. Space Force Technical Sergeant (TSgt), or U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer First Class (PO1). Reserve and National Guard members must have two years of total active-duty service or at least two years in the Active Guard Reserve (AGR) program at the E-6 level to quality.

Veterans interested in applying for a job with the State of Michigan can view openings on the state's jobs website.