For Veterans

Resources and Support

Preparing for and entering a career in the trades can feel overwhelming and intimidating. Take advantage of the many programs and organizations dedicated to helping you succeed in your apprenticeship and connecting you with the resources you need.

CAMO 2 COMMERCE

(camo2commerce.com)

Providing employment opportunities for transitioning service members
Camo2Commerce is all about providing opportunities for career development and jobs to service members transitioning out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord into civilian life in western Washington. We offer a number of customized services to transitioning service members, including one-on-one career coaching, job placement services, short-term training, hiring fairs and more.

Camo2Commerce works to fully integrate the public workforce system into the transition services provided on military installations. Our goal is to enable transitioning service members to seamlessly shift into the civilian workforce, and specifically into high-demand career opportunities.

Project Partners
Camo2Commerce is a project of Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council and Workforce Central, in partnership with the Thurston Economic Development Council, Thurston Chamber of Commerce and Morningside.

For more information, contact Nick McCallon, Apprenticeship Navigator, 425-409-4194, email nick@ipartnerships.net.

Information Flyer (283 KB PDF)

WorkSource - Veterans Crosswalk to Civilian Jobs

(workinwashington-veterans.jobs)

A Veterans Military Crosswalk that converts Military Occupation Codes into specific jobs that match veterans' skills and experience has launched and is available at WorkSource Washington (www.worksourcewa.com), the website for WorkSource, the statewide one-stop career center system. The tool works on mobile devices and can send email notifications to users when it finds appropriate job openings. Washington is home to 632,000 veterans and their overall unemployment rate last year was 7.1 percent.

Helmets to Hardhats

(helmetstohardhats.org)

If you're looking for a career, you're in the right place. Helmets to Hardhats connects quality men and women from the Armed Forces with promising building and construction careers. Helmets to Hardhats helps military service members successfully transition back into civilian life by offering them the means to secure a quality career in the construction industry.

Why Should I Register with H2H?

Federal approved apprenticeship training programs come at no cost to the veteran.
No prior experience required. The three to five year apprenticeship programs teaches you everything you need to work in a specialized skilled craft.
Because these are federally approved programs, you can use your Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits to supplement your income. Better yet, apprenticeship programs offer the opportunity to earn while you learn.

United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP)

(usmap.netc.navy.mil)

Gives active duty Coast Guard, Marine Corps or Navy Service Members in an authorized trade occupation a system to become a DOL registered apprentice and recieve documented proof of work experience.

Pre-apprenticeship training programs in Washington State

Apprenticeships have specific educational requirements and skills. Pre-apprenticeship training programs help you beef up your basic skills and prepare for a career in the trades before you apply to a program, so you have a better chance of success. Some of the more important ones are:

Veterans in Piping (VIP) (www.uavip.org): As a veteran of the U.S. Military, you have served your country well, providing security for all Americans. The United Association of the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union (UA) wants to give back to those who have given so much—in the form of skilled training to help you find a good job.
The UA has created a program called Veterans In Piping (UA VIP). The UA VIP program helps returning veterans transition to civilian life, receive training, and find careers with contractors throughout the country. These contractors are “arming” themselves for the construction boom of the near future.
Veterans in Construction Electrician (VICE) (www.psejatc.org): The Puget Sound Electrical (PSE) JATC in cooperation with the Puget Sound Chapter NECA and IBEW Local 46 have established a new veterans program (V.I.C.E.), Veterans in Construction Electrical. This program is designed to assist military veterans (discharged within the last 7 years) who posess an aptitude in the electrical industry to gain employment and career opportunities. Upon acceptance into the V.I.C.E. program, the veteran will follow a six-week evening schedule designed to prepare them for a career within our electrical apprenticeship program. The 5-year program consists of curriculum derived from the NJATC (National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee) which covers basic electrical theory, circuitry training, mathematics, and electrical/construction safety training. Participants will receive OSHA 30 training along with lab training in conduit bending and electrical wiring.
If you are interested in the V.I.C.E. program, please contact the Puget Sound Electrical JATC at 425-228-1777.

VET's (Veterans Entering Trucking) (www.teamsterstraining.org): VET's (Veterans Entering Trucking) is designed for Active-Duty Service-Members transitioning from Military Service or Military Veterans that are interested in a career as a Construction Truck Driver. VET's is a 6 week training program that is held at the Stone Education Center, 6242 Colorado Avenue, JBLM Lewis-Main and at a gravel pit in nearby Dupont, WA. VET's is part of a Washington State Approved Apprenticeship training program. Successful graduates are placed in a 3,000 hour paid apprenticeship program in WA State. As a Teamster Construction member, entry level apprentices begin at 70% of the Journey level rate with full family medical and a very attractive retirement program.

Goodwill Veteran Services

(www.goodwillwa.org)

Operation: GoodJobs
Empowering veterans and their families with the tools they need to succeed in the workplace.

Goodwill is one of twelve Goodwill agencies in the country selected to participate in Operation: GoodJobs. Operation: GoodJobs aims to help post 9/11 Veterans, their spouses and dependents (who live in the same house), transition from military life to a successful civilian life. Operation: GoodJobs partners with a vast network of outside agencies to provide a comprehensive program catered to the individual and his/her family. A few examples of these services include:

Job placement services and employer networking opportunities.
Skills training including resume writing skills.
Career testing that helps narrow down interest to find a most suitable occupation.
Military to civilian transition mentoring services.
Job retention program.
Agency referral for housing counseling.
Individual and family counseling from licensed staff.
Whole family financial strengthening training, including financial education.
Family services including, career placement help, counseling, motivation and confidence to find work.

Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) State Approving Agency (SAA)

Apprenticeship/OJT Training Establishments with approved programs (inquiry.vba.va.gov)
Information is available regarding programs in Washington State and other States or Territories.