I’ve always believed the skills honed in the military make a perfect foundation for skilled trades careers. Military training skills are not only transferable but highly valued in fields like construction, electrical work, and plumbing. I’ll walk through why skilled trades are a tremendous opportunity for veterans, how to leverage your experience, and where to find resources to succeed.
Why Skilled Trades Are a Strong Fit for Veterans
First, there’s a growing demand for skilled trades professionals across the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are currently about 400,000 open trades jobs, with projections of 3.5 million more openings in the next eight years. That’s a huge demand pool ready to be tapped by veterans (Military Times, Nevada Department of Veterans Services).
In addition, many skilled tradespeople are nearing retirement. Nearly 30% of union electricians are set to leave the workforce soon. That alone opens massive opportunities for veterans looking to enter the field (Military Times).
Beyond job availability, the structure of trades, which requires a hands-on, disciplined, and teamwork-driven approach, is second nature to most veterans. Nearly half a million veterans already work in construction, and many report that the camaraderie and structure reminded them of military life (VA News).
Military Skills That Make Veterans Highly Skilled Trades Candidates
If you’ve drilled, maintained equipment, followed strict procedures, or led teams, you already have core trades-ready skills. A McKinsey study points out that enlisted veterans excel in technical aptitudes like installing, maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting, and they ofter outperform the civilian population averages (McKinsey & Company).
If your specialty was logistics or communications, those skills are in demand as well. Military experience in managing operations or working under pressure brings adaptability and critical thinking. All things which bode well for a successful trade career. (CareerCircle).
Real Stories: Veterans Succeeding in the Trades
It’s one thing to talk about skills but it completely another story to see them in action. Marine Corps veteran, Chris Bornschein, is a perfect example. He transitioned into a union electrician apprenticeship through the Building Trades Educational Benefit Fund, and he quickly found that the self-discipline, goal-setting, and teamwork instilled by the military were invaluable (Supply House Times).
The program that supported him is designed specifically for veterans, pairing structured on-the-job training with classroom instruction—and offering support through veteran mentors like Paul Tropiano, a retired lieutenant colonel who guides apprentices to success (New York Post).
Tools and Programs That Support Veterans into Trades
There are several formal programs to help veterans transition into trades smoothly. One of them is the SkillBridge program, which allows service members to train in civilian jobs—like apprenticeships—up to 180 days before leaving the military. While participation data is spotty, it’s an excellent resource worth investigating (GAO).
Another strong support is the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), a DoD initiative that offers tools to translate military experience into civilian careers, including bridging MOS skills to trades roles (Wikipedia: TAP).
On the nonprofit front, the Call of Duty Endowment has placed over 150,000 veterans into high-quality jobs, with a 2024 average starting salary over $75,000 and a remarkable 89% six-month retention rate (Wikipedia: Call of Duty Endowment). Many of these jobs are in skilled trades and technical roles.
Why Veterans Should Consider Trades (Summary Table)
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| High demand | Millions of openings projected in the coming years (Nevada Department of Veterans Services) |
| Technical alignment | Veterans score highly on trades-related skills (McKinsey & Company) |
| Familiar structure | Work environments mirror military discipline and teamwork (VA News) |
| Proven success | Veterans like Bornschein thrive in apprenticeships (New York Post) |
| Support systems | SkillBridge, TAP, nonprofits like C.O.D.E., DOL and VA tools (GAO, Wikipedia: TAP) |
Case Study: From Marine Corps to Master Electrician
Marine Corps veteran Chris Bornschein stands as a case study in how military skills translate into civilian trades. After leaving active duty, he joined a union electrician apprenticeship through the Building Trades Educational Benefit Fund. The same qualities that defined his service—discipline, teamwork, and technical precision—helped him thrive from day one (Supply House Times).
He was also supported by Paul Tropiano, a retired lieutenant colonel who mentors veterans through apprenticeships. Programs like this don’t just teach electrical work—they create a community and mission structure that mirrors military life, helping veterans succeed in a familiar environment (New York Post).
These success stories illustrate a broader truth: research confirms that veterans consistently bring above-average technical aptitudes in installation, maintenance, and repair, often outperforming civilians in these areas (McKinsey & Company). Chris’s career shows how structured apprenticeship programs can transform military experience into a lucrative, meaningful civilian career.
Next Steps: How You Can Get Started
- Explore SkillBridge or TAP early—start planning at least a year before separation (Wikipedia: TAP, GAO).
- Identify your skills—use MOS crosswalk tools from TAP, Career OneStop, or Hire Heroes USA.
- Connect with apprenticeship programs—especially those targeting veterans like union training centers and Building Trades initiatives (Business Insider, CSG).
- Use veteran-specific resume support—partners of the Call of Duty Endowment and Hire Heroes USA can translate your skills (Business Insider).
- Network locally—connect with veterans already thriving in trades or speak with veteran-friendly employers.
Final Thoughts
Everyone understands transitioning out of the military comes with challenges. But for veterans, the skilled trades represent more than just jobs. They offer purpose, stability, growth, and the trades offer a working environment that is most likely to connect and resonate with veterans.
Military service taught you discipline, adaptability, teamwork, and technical acumen. Those shipyard welds, electrical hookups, or framed walls you build are skilled ready to be connected to your next career journey. Now is the time to leverage your skills and seize a trade career.