Upskilling

Skilled Trades Academy

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

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Program Overview
Hands-On Training for High-Demand Careers

Through hands-on training and multiple career pathways, participants gain practical skills, professional development, and networking opportunities—all at no cost.

SkillBridge Approved

The Skilled Trades Academy is an approved Department of War SkillBridge opportunity, allowing eligible transitioning service members to participate during their final 180 days of service with command approval.

Man wearing a hat, ear and eye protection marking sheet metal in a manufacturing facility

Explore the Pathways

Choose Your Industry Path:

Focus

Gain skills in residential electrical, wiring fundamentals, plumbing fundamentals, construction estimation, and blueprint reading.

Certifications

OSHA 30, Department of Transportation Flagger, American Heart Association Heartsaver, Forklift Driver, Work Zone Safety.

Locations & Dates

Camp Lejeune (Jacksonville, NC)

  • Cohort 1: Jan 12 – Feb 20, 2026
  • Cohort 2: June 1 – July 10, 2026
  • Cohort 3: Sept 28 - Nov 6, 2026

NCR (Fort Belvoir, VA)
Dates coming soon

Focus

Gain experience with industry-grade equipment, integrated systems, and real-world production scenarios.

Certifications

Intelligent Machine Operator and Siemens Mechatronics Systems Certification (SMSCP), Level I

Locations & Dates

Puget Sound, WA

  • Cohort 1: Oct 5 – Nov 18, 2026
  • Cohort 2: Jan 11 – Feb 19, 2027
  • Cohort 3: Mar 29 – May 7, 2027

Other Locations
Dates coming soon

Skilled Trades Academy Benefits
Gain Experience and Training
  • Hands-on training in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, masonry, etc
  • Resume building and interview preparation
  • Networking with local employers
  • 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.

Eligibility Requirements

Transitioning Service Members

Service member candidates have program timelines aligning with a specific cohort and must meet these requirements:

  • Be on active duty or transition leave
  • Be within 180 days of transition from military service at the start of the 6-week program
  • Obtain command support to participate in the DoW SkillBridge program
  • Be able to complete the training in person and have reliable transportation

Veterans, Military Spouses & Working-Age Dependent Military Children

May apply for any cohort and must meet these requirements:

  • Have a GED or high school diploma
  • Have 1+ year of work experience
  • Be currently unemployed, underemployed, or expecting an upcoming relocation which will cause an employment gap
  • Complete the training in person and have reliable transportation
  • All applicants are highly encouraged to attend an HOH Amplify career development intensive prior to applying

Hiring Our Heroes Ambassador JoAnne Bass profile photo

JoAnne “Joe” Bass

19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force

If you maintained aircraft, repaired vehicles, ran utilities on a base, or built infrastructure in uniform, you’ve already been doing skilled trades work. STA simply translates that experience into civilian credentials and direct employment.

HOH Ambassador Dakota Meyer photo

Dakota Meyer

Medal of Honor Recipient

The trades are built on precision, discipline, and teamwork—values every veteran knows well.

Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs
Thanks to our partners, the Skilled Trades Academy pathways are free for members of the military community.
Though stipends are not part of this programming, the 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.
PPE/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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Employment-related FAQs
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 from the military community.
  • 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 including job openings with companies actively hiring.
  • Resume Engine: Create a professional resume in minutes.
Resources will be shared with participants regarding entrepreneurship, and there will be opportunities to hear from local small business owners throughout the program.
Graduates may qualify for entry-level roles tied to their pursued industry (for example, the construction pathway may qualify participants for positions such as construction laborer, carpenter apprentice, equipment operator assistant, and various installer positions), apprenticeships, or start their own business.
Ready to Start Your Next Mission?
Apply Now
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