The War on Employment

Construction employment has increased the last few months, pushing the industry’s unemployment rate down to its lowest level in years, according to analysis of government data by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). Construction employment in May 2013 totaled 5.8 million, an increase of 189,000 or 3.4 percent over the past year. AGC has said that the ongoing decline in the construction unemployment rate is only partly a result of opportunities in the industry. The number is dropping because many former workers are leaving the industry searching for work in other fields. 

“Formerly unemployed construction workers are finding jobs in other sectors, retiring or going back to school,” says Ken Simonson, AGC’s chief economist, in a press release. “These conditions may lead abruptly to worker shortages in parts of the industry.”

A limited supply of skilled construction workers will soon be a big issue for the industry. One way to combat that problem is with those who are used to combatting — military veterans. Their previous training usually fits right in to what the construction industry is looking for, and waves of returning veterans are looking for work.

“Construction is an easy transition for our service members,” says Darrell L. Roberts, executive director of Helmets to Hardhats, a 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. “There are some strong similarities, such as a chain of command, objectives and a sense of accomplishment after a project or their training is completed.”

There are many associations and agencies dedicated to helping veterans find employment and success in the construction industry. The hope is that with a little guidance, veterans will fill the construction employment void.

Selling Yourself

A good first step for returning veterans searching for employment options is to build a resume. Hire Heroes USA, a not-for-profit organization that provides services at no cost to veterans, works with veteran clients individually to provide personalized employment assistance and training. 

“We specialize in transition assistance services, and that largely includes helping veterans draft resumes, network and prepare for job interviews,” says Jason Dozier, veteran transition specialist, “and generally become better able to articulate their military accomplishments so that civilian hiring managers understand them and understand the value that they offer to their organizations.”

Hire Heroes USA is not involved with specific employment tracks — like construction — but instead guides its veteran clientele to any career field or industry they may be interested. Hire Heroes USA highlights any relevant certifications or training veterans may have gained through the military, making sure it’s on their resumes and discussed during networking opportunities.

“We mentor them to obtain the proper certifications necessary to be successful in that particular field,” Dozier says. “There are a number of technical certification programs available to veterans for free, and some states are waiving tests and fees for commercial driver’s licenses, and we do our best to guide our veterans in the right direction based on their interests and career goals.”

Associations encourage training and apprenticeships not just because it brings necessary experience to the table, but it also provides veterans with networking tools and resources crucial to their job search. Roberts says there are many building trade unions offering even more apprenticeable crafts. Helmets to Hardhats views these crafts as excellent careers for military members.

“We view these as a way for the military service member to earn a middle class wage and benefits that include health and retirement,” Roberts says. “These are very similar benefits that they are used to receiving in the military. The training comes at little to no cost to the veteran.”

If veterans don’t exactly have the right background for specific construction jobs, Helmets to Hardhats suggests three- to five-year apprenticeship programs.

“We know the value of apprenticeship, and we encourage the necessary training needed for our military service members to excel,” Roberts says. “But the choice is always the military service member’s. The skilled craftsperson is a sought-after commodity and apprenticeship can provide the person to fill that need. Apprenticeship not only trains the veteran in valuable construction skills, but it also provides the safety aspect and respect for the career that places more value on the person who has attended it.”

Hard Work Pays Off

The consensus among veteran employment organizations that construction companies would be lucky to hire determined and dedicated military veterans.

“Companies should be open-minded when looking to hire veterans,” Dozier says. “Veterans offer a diverse array of professional backgrounds and experiences, and though some are better prepared to handle the technical aspects of the construction industry more so than others, all have years of leadership,

management, problem-solving and team-building experience that make them assets in any organization.”

Roberts agrees that veterans take instructions well and would be a great addition to any company’s workforce.

“We find the military veteran brings value to the table because of their prior experience of understanding orders, objectives, chain of command and timeliness,” Robert says. “Many of them come to the table understanding what hard work is all about and that the environment and conditions of the working environment are not always picture perfect. Their dedication transfers well to any job. I don’t believe there is a job out there that one of our military veterans can’t do without the proper training.”

As construction starts to pick up and there are more job openings than skilled workers available, veterans will make a huge difference in the construction industry.

“There’s an adage that says ‘hire for attitude, train for skill,’ and we feel strongly that veterans present an excellent employment opportunity for this industry,” Dozier says.  

Kelly Pickerel is associate editor of Compact Equipment, based in Brecksville, Ohio.