Career Pathways

Construction

Build practical, hands-on skills for a career in automotive service and diagnostics. The Skilled Trades Academy Construction pathway provides focused training for military-connected talent preparing for entry-level construction roles in a high-demand industry.

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Program Overview
Build Skills for Construction Careers

The Construction pathway prepares military-connected individuals for entry-level careers in construction and related skilled trades by combining hands-on instruction, jobsite safety training, construction fundamentals, and professional development. Participants gain exposure to core construction skills, tools, materials, drawings, safety practices, and electrical concepts while working toward industry-recognized credentials that can support direct employment, apprenticeship opportunities, or continued training.

Training areas include:

  • Carpentry and framing
  • Plumbing fundamentals
  • Electrical basics
  • Masonry and concrete
  • Blueprint reading
  • Workplace safety
A female construction worker wearing a yellow hard hat and orange safety vest works on a wooden doorway.
CERTIFICATIONS
Credentials That Open Doors

Participants earn industry-recognized credentials that demonstrate workplace safety knowledge and readiness for employment in the construction industry.

Credentials may include:

  • OSHA 30
  • NCCER Core
  • Department of Transportation Flagger
  • American Heart Association Heartsaver
  • Forklift Driver
  • Work Zone Safety
  • CPR / First Aid
  • NOVA Workforce Certificate of Completion
Two construction workers wearing blue hard hats and yellow safety gear work on a masonry project using a shovel and a mallet.
By the Numbers
Connect with employers, build practical experience, and earn credentials recognized throughout the industry.
6
Weeks
Full-time, cohort-based training.
$0
Cost to You
Fully funded by program sponsors, including Lowe's Foundation.
100%
Employer Connections
Graduates will have opportunities to connect with employers seeking qualified candidates.
 
SKILLED TRADES ACADEMY
Want to learn more? Talk to a program specialist.
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I CAME IN NOT KNOWING WHAT TO EXPECT AND LEFT WITH CERTIFICATIONS, JOB LEADS, AND A WHOLE NEW DIRECTION FOR MY LIFE.
Richard Haight
STA Construction Graduate | U.S. Army Veteran
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Skilled Trades Academy
Locations & Dates
Find a Cohort Near You
  • Jacksonville, NC (near Camp Lejeune)
    Next Cohort: September 28 – November 6, 2026
    •  
  • National Capital Region (near Fort Belvoir, VA)
    Next Cohort: October 12 – November 20, 2026
    •  
  • Largo, Maryland (near Joint Base Andrews & JBAB)
    Next Cohort: October 5 – November 13, 2026
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Two construction workers wearing yellow hard hats and orange vests work on putting up a wall.
Program partners

Supporting Construction Career Pathways

Construction cohorts are supported by partners helping military-connected talent build skills, earn credentials, and explore careers in the skilled trades.
Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs
The Skilled Trades Academy programs are open to:
  • Transitioning active duty service members who are SkillBridge eligible
  • Veterans
  • Military spouses
  • Working-age dependent military children, ages 18–26
SkillBridge Approved: Eligible transitioning service members may participate through the Department of War SkillBridge program during their final 180 days of service with command approval.
No degree or prior trades experience is required to participate in the Skilled Trades Academy.
Thanks to our partners, the Skilled Trades Academy pathways are free for members of the military community.
Although stipends are not part of the program, Skilled Trades Academy is free for participants.
You may participate if you do not live at the program location, but housing will not be provided and participants are responsible for their own transportation.
Personal Protective Equipment and tools are provided; participants are responsible for their own work boots.
Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) is proud to welcome working-age dependent military children between 18 and 26 years of age.
While you are receiving hands-on instruction, you will learn about employment resources and meet local employers. If you are currently looking for employment, here are some available resources:
  • HOH Job Board:See available positions and apply with companies interested in hiring military-connected talent.
  • HOH In-Person and Virtual Events: Events include hiring events, webinars, and career summits with companies looking for talent from the military community.
  • Hot Jobs Newsletter: HOH newsletter featuring job openings with companies actively hiring.
  • Resume Engine: Create a professional resume in minutes.
Apply for the Next Cohort
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