Starting a career in trades can offer any seasoned veteran long-term job security and a career that offers longevity. Although trade careers can be challenging and rewarding, they offer many opportunities for advancement. If you’re looking for a new job after your time in the military or are just beginning, here is some information on how you can get started.
Veterans’ leadership skills are critical to a career in the trades
One of the most important skills that could be transferred from your career in the military into the trades is leadership. Your experience leading others can translate to a career in HVAC where you could run a team of technicians and mentor other workers.
Additionally, your leadership skills could be used when creating sales proposals to show your customers why they should work with you.
Skills such as discipline when it comes to completing tasks on time, performing maintenance checks, or using problem-solving skills to discuss options for your customers while working in the trades, help to find solutions your customers may not think of.
This could mean another opportunity to offer upsells or maintenance services for your customers.
Multiple opportunities for advancement
If you’re looking for a career that you can grow into and has multiple growth opportunities, the trades could be for you. Not only can you own your own business, but you can also become a certified instructor or become a manager.
Another reason to work in the trades can be great benefits, such as health insurance and retirement plans. If you’re looking for a stable career that allows you to work even during an economic downturn, the trades could be right for you.
With tools that help you send invoices right from your smartphone, running a trade business is easier than ever.
Another great reason to consider a career in the trades is that it provides veterans with a chance to use their skills to make a good living. Veterans can earn a living wage while working in the trade and can also receive benefits such as retirement plans.
In addition, many companies in the trades offer tuition reimbursement programs, so veterans can continue their education while still working full-time. There are also many job openings in the trades, so veterans can feel confident that they will be able to do friend work even in times of economic downturn.
Programs that help veterans get into the trades
There are multiple options for programs that help veterans get into the trades. The Department of Veterans Affairs lists a number of programs that can help veterans get training and education in the trades.
Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP)
VRAP provides up to 12 months of financial assistance to unemployed veterans who are interested in retraining for a new career. To be eligible for VRAP, veterans must be between the age of 22 and 66 and enrolled in an approved program of study at a community college or technical school.
GI Bill
The GI Bill can help veterans cover the costs of tuition fees and other education expenses. This bill can help both veterans and their families get assistance and housing. When it comes to the trades, the GI Bill is helpful for veterans looking to get job placement and fund their training programs.
2022 Next Generation HVAC Scholarship
If you’re a veteran looking to get into the trades, you should apply for the 2022 Next Generation HVAC Scholarship. And, the best thing is that there are few restrictions to apply. You will need to:
- Be a United States citizen
- Older than 16-years old
- Pursuing an HVAC education.
The application submission consists of two short-form written answers and a 30 sec to 2 min recorded video. 20 winners will receive:
- $2,500 scholarship for tuition and tools
- 1-year supply of WD-40 Brand products
- Individually selected Truewerk workwear system
- 1-year Housecall Pro ‘Essentials’ subscription
You can learn more about the scholarship program here.
Excellent perks and opportunities for veterans
Working in the trades offers stability and job security. The demand for skilled workers in the trades is always high, so veterans can feel confident that they will be able to find work even in times of economic downturn.
In addition, most careers in the trades have non-traditional paths for education so veterans can get started after some apprenticing or right away without having to spend years completing college courses.
If you’re looking to start your business as a skilled tradesperson in high-growth careers like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, Housecall Pro can help you grow your business.
Use your skills and make a good living with job security and infinite possibilities. If you are a veteran considering your career options, be sure to give serious thought to pursuing a trade!
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