Throughout the construction industry, the trades are facing a skilled labor shortage. About 7,000 electricians enter the trade each year, but 10,000 leave it, fueling a demand for more skilled workers, according to the National Electrical Contractors Association.
Beyond visiting high schools and trade schools nationwide, electrical contractors can also discover talent by tapping a different sector—America’s military. Oftentimes, military veterans can easily transition into careers into the energy industry due to their dedication, work ethic, and skills. For example, the following programs, recruitment agency and job board can help military veterans find training and employment opportunities in the trades.
Troops to Energy Jobs — Back in 2011, the Edison Electric Institute and the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) joined forces to launch this initiative. According to CEWD, companies have several reasons to hire veterans:
- They bring leadership and technical skills and share the commitment to serve.
- They fill the gap created by retiring experienced workers.
- There can be a possible reduction in training costs.
- Military occupations fit the critical job categories.
- There is a ready supply of veterans over the next decade.
Helmets to Hardhats — This national, non-profit program helps active-duty military service members, veterans, National Guard, and reservists connect with apprenticeship and career opportunities. The Washington, D.C.-based Center for Military Recruitment, Assessment, and Veterans Employment administers the program, which was established in 2003. To participate, military veterans must complete a comprehensive profile about skills they acquired during military service.
Veterans Build America — Orion Talent, a military recruitment firm, assists companies in hiring military veterans for construction jobs. Since it first began, American companies have hired 47,000 of its veteran candidates.
Hire Heroes USA—Each year, the U.S. military discharges 270,000 service members, and 80% may not have a job lined up, according to the company. This job board connects military veterans with employers searching for skilled labor.
With two million veterans under the age of 35, according to Helmets to Hardhats, electrical contractors can connect with this market to find apprenticeship candidates and fill the work boots of retiring electricians.
Fischbach is a freelance writer based in Overland Park, Kan. She can be reached at [email protected].
