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.
