Upskilling

Skilled Trades Academy

HOH’s Skilled Trades Academy offers hands-on training that prepares transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses for high-demand careers in the construction trades.

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Program Overview
Hands-On Training for High-Demand Careers

The Skilled Trades Academy is a six-week, in-person training program that equips transitioning service members, veterans, and military and veteran spouses with foundational skills in construction, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and masonry. Hosted in Jacksonville, North Carolina—just outside Camp Lejeune—this program is a launchpad to meaningful careers in the skilled trades.

Two construction workers wearing blue hard hats and yellow safety gear work on a masonry project using a shovel and a mallet.
About the Skilled Trades Academy
Training That Builds Futures, One Skill at a Time

This pilot initiative, powered by Lowe’s Foundation, is designed to meet two urgent needs: the underemployment of military-connected talent and the national shortage of skilled trades workers. Participants will receive hands-on instruction, professional development, and exposure to small business ownership—all at no cost.

The program is an approved DoD SkillBridge opportunity, allowing eligible transitioning service members to participate during their final 180 days of service with command approval.

A shop teacher helps a student work on a wood project using a tape measure, hammer and a drill.
Program Dates
Program Timeline
Transitioning service member fellows must be within the last 180 days of transition from military service at the time of the 6-week program, and their program participation must align with one of the cohorts at right.

Military spouses and veterans do not have a required timeline for completing the program and may apply for any cohort.

2025 - Cohort 1 Application Packet Deadline: September 12, 2025
October 6 – November 14, 2025
2026 - Cohort 1 Application Packet Deadline: TBD
Winter 2026
2026 - Cohort 2 Application Packet Deadline: TBD
Spring 2026
Program Benefits
Gain Experience and Training
  • Hands-on training in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, masonry, and more
  • Resume building and interview preparation
  • Networking with local employers
  • Exposure to entrepreneurship and small business ownership
  • Industry-recognized certifications
  • No cost to participants
  • No degree required
Two construction workers wearing yellow hard hats and orange vests work on putting up a wall.
The trades are built on precision, discipline, and teamwork—values every veteran knows well.
Dakota Meyer
Medal of Honor Recipient; Hiring Our Heroes Ambassador
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Skilled Trades Academy
Eligibility Requirements
Transitioning Service Members

Skills-based fellowships are a DoD SkillBridge program open to non-degreed transitioning service member candidates. Service member candidates must have a timeline that aligns with the program and must meet these requirements:

  • Be on active duty or transition leave
  • Be within 180 days of transition from military service at the time of the 6-week program
  • Be able to complete the 6-week training in person in Jacksonville, NC
  • Obtain command support to participate in the program
A construction worker wearing a yellow hard hat and safety gear works on a roof.
Eligibility Requirements
Military Spouses & Veterans

Skills-based fellowships are open to military spouses and veterans. Military spouse and veteran candidate requirements include:

  • Must have a GED or high school diploma
  • At least 1 year of work experience
  • Available to attend in-person training sessions in Jacksonville, NC
  • Currently unemployed or expecting an upcoming relocation which will cause an employment gap
  • Fellows must be able to work in person and have transportation available
  • All applicants are highly encouraged to attend an HOH Amplify career development intensive, either virtually or in-person.
    Learn more about Amplify »
A female construction worker wearing a yellow hard hat and orange safety vest works on a wooden doorway.

Program Location

This pilot program is available in Jacksonville, NC, near Camp Lejeune. Check this page often for additional locations.

Program Manager: Eric Putt

Apply for the Skilled Trades Academy
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