The discipline, technical training, and mission focus you developed in uniform makes you exactly what the trades are looking for. We'll help you find programs, GI Bill benefits, and veteran-preferred employers.
Multiple funding sources stack, you may qualify for more than one
Covers tuition, fees, housing allowance (BAH), and books for approved trade programs and apprenticeships. For apprenticeships, you receive a monthly housing stipend that phases out as you advance. Contact the VA or your school's veterans certifying official to verify program eligibility.
Learn more at VA.gov →Veterans and eligible spouses receive priority access to all WIOA-funded workforce services, including Individual Training Accounts (ITAs) that may pay for trade training at no cost to you. Visit your local American Job Center and specifically mention your veteran status.
A national program connecting transitioning service members, veterans, and National Guard/Reserve members with quality career opportunities in the construction industry. Free career navigator, apprenticeship connections, and ongoing mentoring.
Visit Helmets to Hardhats →For military veterans or transitioning service members enrolling in construction, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC programs. Deadline August 1, 2026. Apply through Helmets to Hardhats.
Apply now →Provides up to 12 months of assistance to unemployed veterans between 35 to 60 years old retraining for high-demand occupations, many of which are skilled trades. Check VA.gov for current program status.
Your MOS, rate, or AFSC likely maps directly to a civilian trade career
Don't see your MOS or rate? Use CareerOneStop's full military skills translator →
The leading program connecting veterans with construction union apprenticeships. Career navigators, direct employer introductions, mentoring throughout your apprenticeship.
Visit site →Find your nearest AJC for WIOA-funded training. Veterans receive priority service. Bring your DD-214 and ask about Individual Training Accounts.
Find your AJC →Verify GI Bill eligibility, check remaining benefits, and find VA-approved trade programs. Post-9/11 GI Bill covers tuition plus housing allowance.
VA Education →U.S. Chamber of Commerce program connecting transitioning service members and military spouses with employers, including major construction and trade companies.
Visit site →IBEW (electricians union) has dedicated veteran outreach and fast-tracks military technical training toward electrical apprenticeship credit. Excellent benefits from day one.
Visit IBEW →CareerOneStop's official MOS-to-civilian-career translator, maintained by the Department of Labor. Search by MOS, rating, or AFSC to see matching trade careers.
Translate skills →Create your free profile and tell us your military background, we'll find the right programs, funding, and employers for you.
Create free profile → Talk to us firstYes. Trades value the discipline, safety mindset, and hands-on skills veterans bring, and many military specialties map directly to civilian trades.
Yes. The GI Bill covers many trade schools and registered apprenticeship programs, often while you also earn apprentice wages.
Many do. Registered apprenticeships can credit relevant military training, which shortens your program.