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Programs — Trades & Skilled Labor
Turn Your Military Training Into a Skilled Trade Career
Your discipline, technical aptitude, and hands-on experience are exactly what the trades industry needs. Find accredited programs that fast-track your transition.
Accepts VA Education Benefits
Free Matching Service
GI Bill® & MyCAA Accepted
Accredited Programs
Personalized Matching
Why Trades?
Why Skilled Trades Fit Military Backgrounds
Your service gave you exactly what the trades industry values most — discipline, technical skill, and the ability to get things done.
Your hands-on training transfers directly
Military MOS experience in mechanics, engineering, and logistics maps closely to skilled trade certifications. Many programs offer credit for prior service training.
High demand, short programs
Most trade certifications take 6–18 months. The skilled trades face a massive labor shortage — job placement rates exceed 90% in many fields.
GI Bill® covers it
VA-approved trade schools accept GI Bill® and TA benefits. Many veterans complete programs with zero out-of-pocket cost.
Earn while you learn
Apprenticeship programs let you earn a paycheck while training. Average apprentice wages start at $15–$20/hr and increase with experience.
Career Pathways
Where a Trades Degree Takes You
Specific career paths, what they pay, and how to get started.
HVAC Technician
Install and maintain heating, cooling, and ventilation systems for residential and commercial buildings.
Median: $59,810/year*
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Electrician
Wire residential and commercial buildings, troubleshoot electrical systems, and maintain power infrastructure.
Median: $62,350/year*
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Welding
Join metal components for construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects across industries.
Median: $51,000/year*
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CDL / Trucking
Commercial driving for logistics, freight, and specialized transport. High demand nationwide.
Median: $57,440/year*
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Plumbing
Install and repair water, gas, and drainage systems for homes, businesses, and municipal infrastructure.
Median: $62,970/year*
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Construction Management
Oversee building projects from planning through completion. Your military leadership translates directly.
Median: $104,900/year*
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*Salary data reflects median annual wages as of May 2024 from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (bls.gov/ooh). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, certifications, and employer.
Ready to Start Your Trade Career?
Find accredited programs that work with your military benefits.
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