Military-friendly employment is on the rise, and there are organizations waiting for veterans to apply today. These employees understand the sacrifice that veterans have made, and they’re willing to go above and beyond to ensure a military veteran is hired and retained.
Apprenticeship programs offered to benefits often fall into the top 25 jobs for veterans, and many are well-paying with great benefits.
1. United Association Veterans in Piping
Free training for military service members transitioning to civilian life is offered through the United Association Veterans in Piping Program. Training is available in:
- Colorado
- California
- Virginia
- Colorado
- Kentucky
- Texas
- North Carolina
- Washington
Plumbers were paid an average salary of $56,000 in 2016, and it’s a position that earns more than the traditional construction job.
2. Troops to Trades
Troops to Trade is a non-profit organization that is part of the Nexstar Legacy Foundation. When you’re a part of this apprenticeship program, you’ll be able to work in a variety of different specializations, including:
- Plumber
- Electrician
- HVAC Specialist
Troops to Trade helps veterans learn the skills they need to move back into civilian life without worrying about how they’ll pay the bills. You can apply the skills learned while in service to this program, including loyalty and commitment.
You’ll be able to explore the trades, and earn a good salary, too. The top electricians earn a salary of $52,720 working for someone else (you’ll make more if you own the business), and job growth is projected to be 9% through 2026.
HVAC technicians, based off of 1,400 salary submissions on PayScale, earn an average of $47,000 per year.
3. Helmets to Hardhats
Helmets to Hardhats is a nonprofit organization that works directly with active-duty military members, Reserve, retired veterans and National Guard members to help train the next generation of electricians.
The apprenticeship is meant for career seekers, and they work with employers that will help veterans land a job.
The organization has a list of 100,000 former military career seekers that are waiting for you to be the next military member to apply. While the organization used to be designated for electricians, it is now available for:
- Bricklayers
- Craftworkers
- Carpenters
- Boilermakers
- Electrical workers
- Elevator constructors
- Laborers
- Insulators
- Ironworkers
- Operating engineers
- Painters
- Plasterer
- Plumbers fitters
- Roofers
- Sheet metal workers
Fast and easy to register, you can enroll in an apprenticeship program that leverages your skills and offers job security.
4. Painters and Allied Trades Veterans Program
Painters and Allied Trades Veterans Program is designed to help you enter Finishing Trades. The program is also part of the Union of Painters and Allied Traders. These trades are what is needed to “button up” construction projects, whether it be a residential dwelling or an industrial building.
The trades programs that are being offered include:
- Industrial painting
- Commercial painting
- Wallcovering
- Drywall finishing
- Floor covering installation
- Glass / glazing
- Architectural metal
Veterans will also be able to work on infrastructure projects. Training is completely free, and it’s available to all transitioning service members or veterans that are looking to advance their lives in a stable, reliable trade.
