Approximately 250,000 people leave military service each year and begin the often bumpy process of re-entering civilian life, a large part of which is finding a suitable career. As construction continues to grapple with a chronic workforce shortage, the numbers of new veterans alone represent enormous potential for the construction industry.

Transitioning military members and veterans are a natural fit for construction, which demands problem-solving, loyalty and onsite decision making — all of which are skills the military instills in its servicemembers. Veteran-specific organizations and construction companies alike recognize the opportunity for this demographic in the industry.

Military members undergo training like few other people do. Following rules and procedures, working as a team and placing absolute trust in colleagues can mean the difference between life and death.