"After leading soldiers in combat I left the military only to find myself with no clear path to a job, a degree, or a future. That all changed when I found a Helmets to Hardhats welding program and was accepted into a United Association, Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program."
"There, I not only found a career and a future, but I also found dignity in my work, comradery like I have only felt in the military, and most importantly, I found purpose once again."
-Will Attig- US Army Infantry
Journeyman Pipefitter UA Local #160
Multiple studies have shown that financial instability is one of the leading factors contributing to the veteran suicide crisis. More than 1.3 million veterans, approximately 18% of all working veterans, earn less than $31,000 annually. This has created financial instability in the most at-risk groups of the veteran's community.
Improving job stability for returning service members and veterans is one of the best ways to address the tragic suicide epidemic. In return, we are also filling the ever-growing demand for a highly skilled, trained workforce in the industries fueling growth in America.
Here you will learn about career opportunities that our member unions have to offer transitioning service members, veterans, and family members.
Career Training Opportunities for Service Members
 | HELMETS TO HARDHATSHelmets to Hardhats is a national, nonprofit program that connects National Guard, Reserve, retired and transitioning active-duty military service members with skilled training and quality career opportunities in the construction industry.The program is designed to help military service members successfully transition back into civilian life by offering them the means to secure a quality career in the construction industry. Most career opportunities offered by the program are connected to federally-approved apprenticeship training programs. Such training is provided by the trade organizations themselves at no cost to the veteran. No prior experience is needed; in fact, most successful placements start with virtually no experience in their chosen field. All participating trade organizations conduct three to five year earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship training programs that teach service members everything they need to know to become a construction industry professional with a specialization in a particular craft. And, because these apprenticeship programs are regulated and approved at both federal and state levels, veterans can utilize their Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits to supplement their income while they are learning valuable skills and on the job training. |
 | UA Veterans in Piping ProgramThe UA Veterans in Piping (VIP) Program equips military service members preparing to leave the service with sought after skills that can lead to lifelong careers in the increasingly in-demand pipe trades. Through 18-week accelerated courses - provided free of cost on military bases across the country - VIP participants earn industry-recognized certifications and a direct entry into solid private-sector jobs with good pay and benefits. The United Association believes that the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces provide an invaluable service by protecting the safety of all Americans. Veterans face the challenge of translating their military skills to the civilian workforce. Let us help you turn those skills into a life-long, rewarding career through an apprenticeship with the United Association. |
 | SMART HEROESSMART Heroes provides sheet metal industry training through an accelerated seven-week program for enlisted U.S. military men and women who plan to enter civilian life within the year, assisting with their successful transition to the civilian workforce and a satisfying lifelong career in the sheet metal industry. Once the service member is accepted into the program, sheet metal training will last seven weeks. Six broad categories of instruction are delivered: general sheet metal; welding; HVAC service; system test, adjust, balance; and building information modeling. The class is full time and will provide the equivalent of first-year apprenticeship training (224 hours). The sheet metal industry needs highly skilled and motivated workers. As an apprentice, you participate in both on-the-job training and classroom study, allowing you to acquire practical experience while learning the technical aspects of the industry. |
 | Painters and Allied Trades Veterans ProgramThe mission of the Painters and Allied Trades Veterans Program is to assist transitioning veterans from military service to civilian careers in the finishing trades industry. The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) is dedicated to providing service men and women the tools necessary to be successful in a rewarding career in construction. Get the training you need for a successful career with long-term security for yourself and your family. As your skills increase, so will your salary, available to you FREE, as a veteran or transitioning service member. |
 | IBEW Veterans Electrical Entry Program (VEEP)Anchorage is home to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, where thousands of U.S. service members are stationed, often far removed from the places they’ll call home when their service ends. VEEP works with base leadership at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, to provide an opportunity for servicemen and women in their final six months to complete their first year of apprenticeship training in an intensive, full-time course. The free, seven-week pre-apprenticeship training works in tandem with the more than 300 JATCs across the U.S. to place servicemembers in IBEW apprenticeships based on their top four choices. VEEP then contacts those programs to see if there’s room and to secure a direct entry agreement. |
 | U.S. Postal Service (Veterans Preferance)The United States Postal Service® has a long history of providing career opportunities to veterans, reservists, and their family members. In fact, they currently employ nearly 100,000 military members and veterans, valuing the leadership, reliability, and high-tech skills veterans bring to the organization, as well as their loyalty and integrity. The Postal recruiting team recruits nationwide and year-round. These hiring events are great opportunities for you to visit with our team and ask specific questions about the Postal Service™. Military Service is treated as prior employment. In order to receive preference in hiring, you must clearly identify your claim for veteran’s preference on your online application. The Postal Service requires that you submit a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (Member 4 Copy), or other official documentation from a branch of the Armed Forces or the Department of Veterans Affairs showing dates of service and type of discharge. We proudly support local and national veteran outreach organizations to help United States Veterans find a secure and stable career at the Postal Service. Search available opportunities by entering a keyword or location into the job search field. You must apply online to be considered. |