For many U.S. military veterans finding stable, well-paying civilian employment is a challenge after their military contract ends. In a study produced by the Wounded Warrior Project, about a third of veterans have difficulty finding full-time employment after their contract ends and if they do gain employment, its jobs below their skill level.
The skilled trades are a viable, but often overlooked, option for veterans looking to transition out of their enlistment. Especially with national labor shortages, skilled trades offer military members plentiful opportunities and secure employment that build upon skills many already have.
Labor Shortages and High Demand for Skilled Tradespeople
Welding, construction, manufacturing, HVAC and electrical industries are facing an aging workforce and a shrinking pipeline of talent, leaving thousands of essential roles unfilled.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, an estimated 2.1 million trade positions could go unfilled by 2030. This poses a huge threat to communities around the nation and due to the gap in these critical roles, infrastructure and local businesses are struggling to stay afloat.
However, the skills gap is not just an economic challenge, but an opportunity for military members looking for employment. With their technical training, discipline and hands-on experience, veterans are uniquely positioned to meet the demand while finding a meaningful career.
Military Experience Translates Naturally to Trade Careers
There is strong overlap between military training, service jobs and trade work. For many veterans, they already have experience working with their hands, following safety protocols, operating specialty equipment and performing in a technical job.
Beyond practical skills, veterans also bring in much needed “soft skills” like leadership, ability to work in a team, adaptability and strong work ethic. These qualities not only help veterans find employment in the skilled trades but advance quickly into supervisory or specialized roles within the industry.
How Veterans Can Get Started in the Trades
Many skilled trade schools recognize that service members are well-suited for careers in the trades and actively work to support their transition by offering enrollment assistance and educational funding.
Most programs range from six months to a year so service members can quickly gain the skills they need and enter the workforce. To pay for these programs, many schools offer military scholarships, reduced tuition and accept the GI bill.
By utilizing scholarships and the GI Bill to cover tuition, fees, and even supplies, veterans can gain valuable hands-on experience and certifications with little to no out-of-pocket cost.
For example, Victoria Rocha, a Navy veteran, recently graduated from TWS Jacksonville with her credentials in all three programs – welding, HVAC and electrical utilizing educational funding from her time in the military. Upon completion of the programs, she had multiple job opportunities immediately.
With her array of skills, Rocha accepted a full-time job before she even graduated. She now works for Aggreko where she utilizes her welding, electrical work, and HVAC education.
Why Choose a Career in the Trades Post-Service
With shorter program times, flexible schedules, well-paying jobs, aligned disciplines, and an industry-wide demand, the trades are a great option for service members beginning their next chapter.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, HVAC technicians make roughly $60,000 a year, electricians make between $60,000-$68,000, and welders make between $51,000-$58,000. Earning this wage after just 6-12 months of schooling lends itself to a promising career for veterans.
This is not just a beneficial career path for veterans; it’s a practical solution to one of the country’s most pressing workforce challenges as well. At a time when the nation is facing a growing shortage of skilled tradespeople, veterans represent a uniquely qualified workforce ready to step in and make an impact. For service members searching for their next mission, the trades may provide not only a career, but a sense of purpose and long-term stability.
For veterans interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades, the first step is setting a strong foundation with education. StrataTech Education Group has six locations nationwide with Tulsa Welding School campuses in Dallas, Houston, Jacksonville, Tulsa and Atlanta Metro and the Refrigeration School in Phoenix. For more information visit stratatech.com.
The opinions expressed in Fortune.com commentary pieces are solely the views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of Fortune. Dr. Rose Van Alstine is campus president at TWS Dallas, a campus of StrataTech Education Group mentioned in the article.