With the right support, U.S. military veterans can bring a plethora of transferable skills to the civilian workplace.
Every Labor Day, we pause our daily routine to honor all the workers who keep our economy moving. But this past Labor Day meant a little more than that for veterans seeking to re-enter the civilian workforce. Workwear brand Carhartt donated all sales on September 4 from Carhartt.com and Reworked.Carhartt.com—totaling $475,833—to support the work of Team Rubicon, a veteran-led nonprofit.
The goal of this partnership is simple—to empower more veterans with the right tools and training to thrive in the civilian workforce and specifically, the skilled trades.
Skilled laborers are in higher demand than ever, with climate disasters in the U.S. decimating homes and businesses to the tune of $18 billion annually. Who rebuilds these communities and companies? The skilled hands of carpenters, masons, plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians and countless others who bring what Carhartt VP Todd Corley calls “hard work and ‘heart’ work.”
Corley, who serves as senior vice president of inclusion, sustainability and community at Carhartt, believes that veterans represent an untapped talent pool for skilled labor. “Some of the best jobs for veterans are in the skilled trades,” he says. “Many ex-military members excel at working with their hands—as many veterans may have operated complex machinery during service or helped with rebuilding efforts in countries abroad.”
So why aren’t veterans already filing these crucial roles in the skilled labor force? “Transitioning veterans might experience several barriers,” says Art delaCruz, CEO of Team Rubicon. “They are no longer infantrymen or logisticians or pilots, but they do bring experience and education needed for today’s skilled labor force.”
I connected with Corley and delaCruz for a three-way conversation on how, with the right support, veterans can be perfectly poised to solve the skilled labor shortage. Here’s what we covered.
What’s holding them back
While veterans may seem a natural fit for skilled trades, it’s not quite so simple. DelaCruz believes that many veterans experience challenges trying to re-enter private employment due to a communication divide between the private sector and military. “Veterans must discover how to talk about the skillsets they gleaned in the military and how they can be transferable to those required for many trades jobs,” he says.
But of course, it’s not all on veterans to bridge this gap. “Employers should also meet them in the middle and commit to understanding the military professions,” says delaCruz. “This is where veterans within the workplace can serve as amazing advocates.”
Another common barrier is veterans’ lack of recognized certifications. “In today’s job market—especially in emerging industries—many employers require niche work experience and/or stringent certification,” says Corley. Delacruz agrees, noting that military skills often don’t directly translate to civilian trade qualifications. This leads to difficulties in proving their proficiency.
In civilian trades, veterans also tend to lack a network of established connections and mentors. “This makes it harder to secure apprenticeships, job placements or even advice on how to navigate this new territory,” says delaCruz.
Employer misconceptions
Are employers hesitant to hire veterans? The answer can vary, depending on how the hiring manager perceives ex-military members. “One common misconception some employers might have is that veterans might struggle to adapt to civilian workplaces due to their military background,” explains delaCruz.
Another misconception, he says, could be concerns about post-traumatic stress (PTS) impacting job performance. But these challenges are not nearly so prevalent as many people might think. “While some veterans might face challenges related to mental health,” says delaCruz, “it’s essential to recognize that a vast majority of veterans are resilient, resourceful and well-equipped to manage stress and adversity effectively.”
Combating these fallacies is part of Team Rubicon’s mission. “By providing employers with accurate information and sharing success stories, we dispel these misconceptions and promote a more inclusive and supportive environment for hiring veterans,” says delaCruz.
A unique university
Through my conversation with delaCruz and Corley, it became clear that many employers—myself among them—may have an incomplete picture of what military life teaches its students. “The U.S. military can be likened to a unique university that offers diverse curriculum of invaluable classes with direct applications to civilian employment,” says delaCruz. “In this unique ‘classroom’ a service member experiences courses that encompass leadership and management, crisis response, technical proficiency, teamwork and adaptability.” Talk about on-the-job training!
Additionally, veterans have imbibed the military’s deep understanding and respect for discipline, time management and the ability to work efficiently under pressure. “Veterans bring a wealth of adaptable skills such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving and an exceptional work ethic that are highly transferable to various industries,” says delaCruz. “What employer would not seek these skills?”
With proper job training and guidance, veterans have an opportunity to apply and hone these skills, ultimately becoming model employees in the private sector. “Providing veterans with opportunities to gain that field experience or certification is of the utmost importance,” says Corley.
Proud to serve
Another reason veterans are built for skilled trades jobs is their desire to serve others, Corley says. “Much like Carhartt’s dedication for serving and protecting hardworking people, Team Rubicon provides a rewarding environment for military veterans, because they’re able to respond to disaster areas and help people in need.”
The good news is that organizations like Team Rubicon, in partnership with Carhartt, are working to bridge these gaps for military veterans seeking private employment. Team Rubicon’s newly unveiled TRades Academy will provide veterans and volunteers with the credentials and the field experience needed to become qualified contractors. “It’s all about giving veterans the proper training and work environment for these skills to really shine through,” says delaCruz.
“Through the Team Rubicon TRades Academy, veterans will be selected to attend the program and receive apprenticeships in the skilled trades, including roofing, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC,” says Corley. “Team Rubicon plans to connect TRades Academy students with existing partner organizations from the private sector, such as Home Builders Institute, GAF Roofing Academy and BASF to be able to get veterans the necessary certifications that can help them land private sector jobs.”
Far from being liabilities in the workplace, veterans bring a set of hard-forged skills and experiences to the civilian workforce. It’s on employers to start recognizing that contribution—and tap into the unique contribution that veterans can make to our current labor shortage.
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