“There’s now definitely a need for people in the construction industry,” says Pete Chronis, president of Reece-Campbell, an Ohio construction company. He says many of the contractors his company works with are very worried these days about finding enough skilled workers in the training pipeline. “There is a certain amount of ruggedness required for these jobs. We need to make a bigger effort to glamorize and publicize jobs like these which involve working with your hands.”
For transitioning and retired Vets, especially former junior military officers, now is the perfect time to get some training for a construction industry trades job. Jobs like electrician, carpenter, welder, plumber, and heating-a/c installer pay top dollar and – with the housing industry picking up, as it has been – employers are tearing their hair looking for qualified people and are hiring military officers. You’ll have few job worries plus a solid middle class income for as long as you work.
How do you get the training needed? The answer is via the Veterans Affairs GI Bill OJT Program (“On the Job Training” Program).
With this program you’ll be able to work in the field you pick while at the same time completing your classroom study and training on the way to journeyman status.
Are You Qualified for the OJT Program?
The rule is simply this: if you are qualified for the GI Bill and you start a new job or apprenticeship program (for example, begin an accredited trade school course in carpentry), you can apply for the program. In some cases the VA will even pay retroactively for OJT from the past 12 months. However you’re not permitted to receive GI Bill OJT benefits if you are already receiving GI Bill education benefits (for example, you’re in a college Bachelor’s degree program). Info on how to get started in the program is provided at the end of this article.
Types of Jobs
There are some great jobs for Veterans out there, including former military officers, if you don’t mind a certain amount of physical exertion (and, in some jobs, getting your hands dirty).
Training/apprenticeship usually ranges from a couple years to five years but once you’ve gotten your training you’re in a secure job that’s currently much in-demand throughout the US and overseas as well. And best of all you can work while you’re getting trained.
Here are a few of the applicable construction trades jobs, with links to the Bureau of Labor Statistics job market forecast for the job –
Electrician – BLS predicts a 12% increase in electricians by 2018. Average starting income is $60,030.
Plumber — In high demand for new construction and ongoing maintenance. Average starting income is $59,880..
Welder – Welders are needed in office building construction but also in many other industries, such as autos and shipbuilding. Average starting income is $47,010.
Heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanic. – Demand for HVAC mechanics and installers will increase by 26 percent by 2018, says BLS. Average income is $54,366,.
Who’s Hiring
Who’s hiring Vets who participate in the VA OJT Program? Here are just a few of many major companies that now participate:
Proctor & Gamble Co.
Merck Pharmaceuticals
Pirelli Tire Co.
Cessna Aircraft
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.
Lockheed Martin
Bell South
Toyota
Comcast
Pratt & Whitney Engine Co.
Plus of course thousands of local/regional construction companies, and many other types of companies. Not to mention, of course, that you can go into business for yourself..
Getting Started
To get started contact your local VA Regional Office or local State Approving Agency (SAA). Your SAA will help you get started on the process and answer any questions you have about the VA OJT Program.
Also, there’s now a terrific online resource to help you get started at Helmets to Hardhats.