Workforce Development
By Dr. Rose Van Alstine
Veteran Employment
From Service to Skilled Trades
America’ s most overlooked workforce pipeline
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, it’ s 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 builds upon skills many already have.
Labor Gaps in Skilled Trades
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 to Trade Careers
There is a 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,” such as 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 also help them advance quickly into supervisory or specialized roles within the industry.
Veterans Getting Started
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-ofpocket cost.
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.
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.
Dr. Rose Van Alstine is the campus president at Tulsa Welding School in Dallas.
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