Construction Jobs After The Millitary

Military Veterans or current reservists, with experience in any construction trade related discipline, can find jobs readily available in the civilian construction workforce through helmets-to-hardhats (H2H) program started by the Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO and nine other construction employers in 2003.

If they do not have any building or construction trade experience, they can be trained for the particular trade they are interested in through various JATC programs while registered with the H2H program.

The reasoning for employing former armed forces members into the building trades is that they already are accustomed to work under pressure, waking up early in the morning, and be a team player. Another good reason is to replenish the work force. Due to the expected increase of retirees and in the next ten to fifteen years a shortage of workers in the construction is inevitable. This also helps make their transition to civilian workforce easier and provide a better alternative than working in a retail store or working at fast food a restaurant.

Currently, there are more than 250,000 men and women transitioning from the armed forces this year. To be eligible for the program you must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, been dismissed from the armed services on good terms, be physically fit, pass a drug test and be ready for an interview. There are many trades to choose from including electricians, roofers, pipe fitters, carpenters, HVAC, plumbers, elevator/escalator mechanics and so on.