Many of the skills, habits and discipline learned in the military translate to the electrical trade.

Working as an electrician requires close attention to detail, the ability to see a task through to completion and being able to work independently and as part of a team. All of these traits go hand-in-hand with those who have military experience.

Young people are most often steered towards colleges and universities after high school graduation and older generations are retiring, resulting in a critical void in the skilled trades industry. Former military personnel are perfect candidates to fill these positions that need dedicated workers.

As an apprentice, you will be able to better meet your family’s needs while you learn. Apprentices make a livable wage, receive family healthcare, and earn retirement benefits such as a 401k plan and pension. All of these benefits make for a pathway to the middle class, following military service.

The IBEW apprenticeship program utilizes the earn-while-you-learn model. This model is perfect for service members who need to immediately start making money. Apprentices earn that livable wage while they train on-the-job and learn from experienced journeymen.

Consider the following two programs as you make the transition back to civilian work.

• The Veteran’s Electrical Entry Program (VEEP) is designed by the electrical training ALLIANCE to fill two needs facing the United States currently. The first is providing transitioning service members and recently separated veterans the ability to reenter the civilian workforce in a high demand field that offers excellent earning potential. This helps VEEP accomplish its second goal, providing high quality electricians to an industry facing a major shortage of skilled labor.
• Helmets to Hardhats is a great program that allows military veterans to get the career training they need. For more than a decade, Helmets to Hardhats has made it their mission to make the transition for service members as easy and smooth as possible.