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March 3-7, 2026

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Benefits and Tips for Hiring Veterans in Construction

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12/12/2023

Hiring veterans is not an act of charity but a strategic business practice with measurable results. In addition to certain tax credits, hiring veterans brings workers with unique skills and training that are highly beneficial to the construction industry. In 2022, 6.5% of veterans worked in construction. Veterans can bring trustworthiness, discipline, teamwork, skill transferability, adaptability to discontinuous environments and advanced technical training to the industry.

KNOW WHERE TO RECRUIT

Conduct outreach through social media and in-person events, as well as partnering with organizations like Adaptive Construction Solutions, Solar Ready Vets and Hiring Our Heroes. Contact your local Regional Veterans’ Employment Coordinator. Your coordinator can help facilitate veteran employment and provide access to federal, state and local resources to do so. Use specialized job boards such as Helmets to Hardhats and G.I. Jobs. To ease the transition from military to civilian work environments, mentoring programs and hands-on training are recommended.

APPRECIATE AND UNDERSTAND

Hiring managers and interviewers should have at least a basic military literacy, such as knowing the difference between types of officers or service levels. Everyone performs better on the job when they feel appreciated and understood and the same goes for veterans. A little effort goes a long way. Understanding these roles and responsibilities will also help you understand the valuable experience an applicant can bring to the job.

DEFINE CLEAR GOALS

Veterans are trained in mission-oriented environments and rely on strong leadership. If your expectations are clearly defined and you have top-tier management in place, veterans will shine with expert work and dedication to the craft.

INCENTIVES

Additionally, there are various incentive programs, including the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), Veteran Tax Credits (VTC) and VA Special Employer Incentive Program, to support employers in hiring and training veterans. Smaller construction firms can collaborate with organizations like Adaptive Construction Solutions for training and apprenticeship programs tailored to veterans.

UNIQUE SKILLS

Finding and retaining skilled workers has long plagued construction. Military training, however, can translate to plenty of civilian jobs – especially in construction. Construction jobs are often outdoors in harsh environments and veterans come from a background that requires perseverance. Being able to communicate in these environments can be even more difficult, which is another military requirement. The ability to problem solve while under pressure is a talent all veterans are likely to possess.

NOT SURE WHERE TO START?

The Department of Labor created the Employer Guide to Hiring Veterans. This guide provides a roadmap, suggests where veterans may look for job postings and offers hiring and interviewing best practices specifically for hiring and interviewing veterans. Veterans often represent the nation's finest talent, so don’t miss your opportunity to bring them into your workforce.

Photo credit: GLYNNIS JONES/BIGSTOCK.COM

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