Military veterans are finding a new call to action in civilian life by transitioning their formidable skills into Arizona's trades industry, with institutions like the National Technical Institute (NTI) providing a much-needed structure for former service members like Barbara Barney, an Army vet who found a new career path in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work, as reported by ABC15. Barney likened the camaraderie at NTI to that of a military platoon, where mentoring and guidance have enabled her to replicate some facets of her military life in her new environment.
In Florida, Air Zero's Troy Daland, an Air Force veteran, recognizes the value that former military personnel bring to civilian jobs, such as punctuality, fast learning, and problem-solving, all of which contribute to positive work ethics in the trades industry, where Daland now hires vets, according to a blog on ServiceTitan. With over 500 of 1,200 ForgeNow's trainee program graduates being veterans, the organization has successfully created a bridge for those seeking to transition from military to civilian professions, while maintaining a semblance of the structured, intense training familiar to veterans
The GI Bill has been critical in facilitating this shift, as it allows veterans to pursue new qualifications with little financial burden, NTI's student finance and VA certifying official, Kim Dallas, aids applicants through the process to maximize their resources, and with recent regulatory changes such as the Rudisill Act, veterans find more comprehensive options for career education, a story by ABC15 has revealed.
Equally important, the trades offer more than just employment for these individuals - they provide a sense of purpose and community, as seen with Zac Harris, a veteran who transitioned into the HVAC field after service in the Army and Navy and now holds pride in his work, driving around Tampa in his Air Zero truck, according to ServiceTitan. Harris happily finds himself echoing his once-annoying father-in-law by pointing out buildings he serviced, marking a full circle in his vocational journey and personal legacy, as Harris's son has also ventured into the trades post-military service.
