This Veterans Day, beyond parades and ceremonies, we can honor our veterans by helping meet their needs as they transition to civilian life. Chief among them are a solid career, a sense of purpose, and a community. Construction unions are stepping up to provide all three. Initiatives like Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) are turbocharging the process, connecting tens of thousands of veterans with good paying union jobs. By the same token, veterans bring a valuable set of skills to labor unions, who are always on the lookout for top tier talent. Let’s take a closer look at why veterans and construction unions are a perfect match. 

 

Readily Transferable Skills 

There are many parallels between construction and military life, including an emphasis on training, teamwork, and a structured career progression. New York City’s construction unions have recognized that veterans, seasoned by their time in service, emerge with a work ethic and leadership skills that are valuable in construction trades. They also often have directly transferable skills, like engineering knowledge, logistical planning, and operational management.

 

Earning While Learning

Union apprenticeships provide a dual advantage for veterans: they can earn a paycheck while getting a valuable education and certifications. This can make the transition to a stable and secure civilian life far less daunting. Furthermore, thanks to the collective bargaining power of unions, veteran apprentices can look forward to fair pay,  comprehensive benefits, and real opportunities for career growth.