Creating Opportunities: How to Connect Veterans with Construction Careers

Connect veterans with construction careers today as it is a win-win situation. Veterans bring valuable skills, experience, and work ethics to the table, while the construction industry gains a reliable and qualified workforce. However, the transition from military service to civilian employment can be challenging. This post explores how construction companies can leverage partnerships with veteran job placement programs and innovative payroll solutions like eBacon to streamline the onboarding process and build a strong veteran workforce.

Why Should You Connect Veterans with Construction Careers?

The benefits of hiring veterans in construction are numerous. Veterans possess a unique skill set honed through years of service. Here are just a few reasons why veterans are a perfect fit for the construction industry:

• Technical Skills: Many veterans have experience in fields directly applicable to construction, such as carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, and heavy equipment operation.
• Leadership and Teamwork: Veterans excel in leadership roles and work effectively within teams. They understand the importance of clear communication, following instructions, and meeting deadlines.
• Work Ethic and Discipline: Veterans are known for their dedication, work ethic, reliability, and ability to handle pressure. They are accustomed to working long hours and meeting demanding goals.
• Safety Focus: Military training emphasizes safety procedures. Veterans are highly aware of safety protocols and prioritize a safe work environment.

Beyond the skills and experience they bring, veterans often demonstrate:

• Strong Work Ethic: Veterans are accustomed to hard work and are highly motivated to succeed.
• Adaptability: Veterans can quickly learn new skills and adapt to changing environments.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Veterans are adept at problem-solving and critical thinking, essential assets for overcoming challenges on the job site.

Challenges Veterans Face in the Construction Industry

Despite their qualifications, veterans can face hurdles when transitioning to construction careers. Here are some common challenges:

• Lack of Civilian Work Experience: Military experience may not directly translate to civilian job descriptions, making it difficult for veterans to showcase their skills.
• Resume and Interview Skills: Veterans may need assistance tailoring their resumes and interview skills to highlight transferable skills relevant to construction positions.
• Benefits and Training Opportunities: Understanding civilian benefits packages and identifying training opportunities for career advancement can be challenging.

How Construction Companies Can Partner with Veteran Job Placement Programs

Construction companies can play a vital role to connect veterans with construction careers that are rewarding. There is currently a workforce shortage and having veterans fill the roles with their experience and skills can make a real difference for construction companies. Partnering with veteran job placement programs offers several advantages:

• Access to a Qualified Talent Pool: These programs connect companies with skilled and motivated veterans seeking construction jobs.
• Targeted Recruitment: Programs assist companies in identifying veterans with specific qualifications and experience aligned with their needs.
• Support Services: Veteran job placement programs often provide resources to help veterans translate military skills into civilian resumes and prepare for interviews.
• Mentorship Opportunities: Some programs offer mentorship programs that pair veterans with experienced construction professionals, easing the transition into the civilian workforce.

Programs Dedicated to Bringing Veterans into Construction

• Orion Talent Veterans Build America – Orion Talent Veterans Build America is a program designed to connect veterans with construction careers. It offers training, job placement services, and support to help veterans transition into the construction industry. By partnering with Orion Talent, construction companies can access a pool of highly skilled and motivated candidates.
  
  
• Hire a Veteran – Hire A Veteran is an online job board specifically for veterans seeking employment. Construction companies can post job openings and search for qualified veteran candidates. This platform simplifies the hiring process and ensures that veterans are aware of available opportunities in the construction industry.

• Helmets to Hardhats – Helmets to Hardhats is a national program that will connect veterans with construction careers. It provides apprenticeship opportunities, training programs, and job placement services. Helmets to Hardhats also offers support for veterans throughout their transition, ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed.

• Hard Hat Hero’s Initiative – The Hard Hat Hero’s Initiative is another program dedicated to helping veterans find construction jobs. This initiative focuses on providing training and support to veterans, ensuring they have the skills needed to excel in the industry. By partnering with Hard Hat Hero’s Initiative, construction companies can tap into a dedicated workforce.

• Military.com Veteran Jobs – Military.com offers a comprehensive list of construction companies actively seeking to connect veterans with construction careers. This resource allows veterans to explore job opportunities and connect with employers. Construction companies can also use this platform to post job openings and reach a wider audience of veteran candidates.

Streamlining Onboarding with Payroll Integration

Once you’ve identified a qualified veteran candidate, the next step is a smooth and efficient onboarding process. This is where innovative payroll solutions like eBacon can make a significant difference. Traditional onboarding can be cumbersome, requiring manual data entry and verification of employment eligibility. eBacon streamlines this process.

Here’s how our eBacon software simplifies the onboarding experience for veterans:

• Document Management: Securely store and manage all necessary onboarding documents, including military service records and proof of eligibility for veterans’ benefits, within eBacon’s centralized platform.
• Electronic Signature: Enable veterans to electronically sign onboarding paperwork, saving time and eliminating the need for physical documents.
• Tax Withholding Management: eBacon can ensure accurate tax withholding for veterans based on their specific circumstances, including potential military retirement benefits.

Benefits of Streamlined Onboarding for Construction Companies

Streamlining onboarding with eBacon offers construction companies several advantages:

• Reduced Time to Hire: Faster onboarding reduces the time it takes to get new hires on the job site, contributing to increased productivity.
• Improved Accuracy: Automated data entry and reduced reliance on manual processes minimize the risk of errors.
• Enhanced Employee Experience: A smooth and efficient onboarding process creates a positive first impression for new veterans joining the team.
• Cost Savings: Reduced administrative time spent on onboarding translates to cost

Building a Strong Veteran Workforce: Beyond Onboarding

Onboarding is just the first step. Retaining your new veteran employees is crucial for building a strong and successful workforce. Here are some additional tips for construction companies to create a veteran-friendly work environment:

• Mentorship Programs: Implement a mentorship program that pairs experienced construction professionals with new veteran hires. Mentors can provide guidance, answer questions, and offer support during the transition period.
• Training and Development Opportunities: Invest in training and development programs that help veterans refine their existing skills and acquire new ones relevant to their construction roles. Offer opportunities for veterans to earn certifications and advance their careers within the company.
• Recognition and Appreciation: Recognize and celebrate the achievements of your veteran employees. Highlight their contributions to projects and acknowledge their unique experiences and skills.
• Support for Veterans’ Benefits: Ensure your HR team understands veterans’ benefits and can assist them in accessing healthcare, education programs, and other resources.
• Create a Culture of Inclusion: Foster a work environment that values diversity and respects the unique experiences of veterans. Encourage open communication and celebrate the different backgrounds and perspectives that veterans bring to the team.

Here are some additional resources for construction companies looking to build a strong veteran workforce:

• U.S. Department of Labor: Hiring Veterans
• Society for Human Resource Management: Hire Veterans
• National Association of Home Builders: Vets Build

Connecting veterans with construction careers is a powerful partnership. Veterans bring valuable skills and experience to the table, while construction companies gain a reliable and qualified workforce. By partnering with veteran job placement programs and leveraging innovative payroll solutions like eBacon, construction companies can streamline the onboarding process and build a strong veteran workforce.

Investing in your veteran employees through mentorship, training, and creating a supportive work environment fosters a culture of inclusion and helps retain this valuable talent pool. A strong veteran workforce is not just good for business, it’s the right thing to do.

Take Action Today and Hire a Veteran!

Start building your veteran workforce today. Reach out to veteran job placement programs in your area, explore resources from the organizations listed above, and consider implementing a streamlined onboarding process with eBacon. By partnering with veterans, construction companies can build a successful future together.

The material presented here is educational in nature and is not intended to be, nor should be relied upon, as legal or financial advice. Please consult with an attorney or financial professional for advice.