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Honoring Military Families: Explore Career Opportunities in Construction This November

November is Military Family Appreciation Month—a time to recognize the immense sacrifice and commitment of military families and veterans. The Home Builders Institute (HBI) proudly supports veterans and their families by offering a clear path to a new, fulfilling career in the construction industry through our free training programs.

If you’re a veteran or a family member of a veteran, you understand the challenges of transitioning from military life to civilian careers. One option that many veterans overlook is a career in construction, which offers great opportunities for those with discipline, teamwork skills, and a strong work ethic—the very traits veterans bring from their military service. Whether you’re looking for stability, purpose, or the chance to build something tangible, HBI’s free training programs offer a fresh start.

HBI’s transitioning military and veteran program creates a unique opportunity through job readiness for careers in construction.  

Why Choose a Career in Construction?

Construction is a booming industry with a constant demand for skilled workers. For veterans, it presents a variety of career paths ranging from carpentry and plumbing to electrical work and construction management. The construction industry needs to hire about 723,000 workers annually to meet growing demands. The housing deficit is real, and skilled workers are needed to help build the future! Check out HBI’s Fall 2024 Construction Labor Market Report for all the insights.

Here’s why a career in construction could be the perfect fit for transitioning military veterans:

  • Job Stability: The construction industry continues to grow. With a shortage of skilled workers, there’s no better time to enter the field. Veterans can rely on their military skills to thrive in a high-demand, recession-resistant sector.
  • High Earning Potential: Many construction jobs offer competitive salaries with growth opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for construction managers is over $95,000. Skilled tradespeople can also earn excellent wages and have job security.
  • Hands-On Work: For many veterans, the appeal of construction lies in the hands-on nature of the work. Building, creating, and fixing things offers a sense of accomplishment, which many veterans miss after leaving the military.
  • Transferable Skills: Veterans bring a unique set of skills, such as leadership, discipline, and problem-solving abilities, that are directly transferable to the construction industry. These skills can quickly elevate veterans into leadership roles, allowing them to move up the ranks quickly.

    Free Training for Military Veterans at HBI

HBI is dedicated to providing veterans with the training they need to succeed in the construction industry, and our programs are 100% free. We offer specialized, hands-on training in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, among other trades. Our curriculum is designed with veterans in mind, ensuring that you receive the support and training you need to succeed in civilian life.

HBI is proud to be a member of the DoD SkillBridge Program, offering transitioning service members a cost-free 12-week training program at HBI facilities. With approval from their chain of command, service members can participate in hands-on training for up to 75% of the program, earn professional certifications, and receive job placement support. No military or GI Bill funding is required, as this program is fully supported by the Department of Defense. Before enrolling, service members complete an interview with HBI staff to ensure a smooth transition into the construction industry.

Our Veterans Program is available at multiple locations nationwide and has already helped thousands of veterans start new careers. Check out our Veteran Training Program page to learn more about how we can help you transition into the construction field.

Veteran Success Stories

One of the best ways to understand the benefits of HBI’s training is to hear directly from veterans who have walked the path you’re considering.

Meet Jeff and Philip

Meet Jeff and Philip—two inspiring individuals whose journeys from incarceration to independence highlight the life-changing impact of the Bland Correctional Program. Through resilience, support, and skills gained in the *Home Builders Institute Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (HBI PACT)* program, they’ve found new purpose and meaningful employment.

Thanks to HBI partners like The Home Depot Foundation, veterans like John aren’t the only ones benefiting. Families, too, feel the positive impacts of having a stable career in construction.

Check out more testimonials here.

Benefits for Military Families

Veterans aren’t the only ones who can benefit from HBI’s training programs. Military families, especially young adults looking for career opportunities, can explore the construction industry as a long-term, lucrative path. Construction careers often come with job flexibility, stability, and excellent benefits—all factors that provide peace of mind for military families.

Get the Facts About Free Career Construction Training for Military Veterans 

Learn more about Home Builders Institute and Careers in Construction.

Start Your Journey Today

Whether you’re a veteran ready to make a career change or a family member seeking new opportunities, HBI’s free construction training programs are here to help. Learn the skills you need to build a solid future in a growing industry. From carpentry to electrical work, the construction sector offers diverse opportunities for those willing to work hard and make a difference.

HBI is committed to helping veterans and their families find rewarding careers. Don’t wait to start your journey. Visit our Military and Veteran Training Programs to explore the possibilities today and learn how you can become the next veteran success story. You can also explore our previous blog posts that discuss the vast career options available in the construction industry.

Together, let’s honor military families by building brighter futures—one veteran at a time.

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MARIO GONZALEZ
Vice President of Workforce Training & Employment
Mario joined HBI as a Regional Career Development Coordinator of HBI’s Military Services in 2019 and was promoted to Associate Vice President of WTE Community & Corrections Programs in 2022.
 
Now serving as Vice president of WTE (2024), he oversees the daily operations of HBI’s WTE Community & Corrections, Military Services, & Academies programs, working with partners to advance HBI’s expansion and enhance job placement opportunities for graduates. Mario serves as the liaison between HBI and external stakeholders to include military installations. He ensures successful outcomes for HBI graduates from transitioning service members & veterans to justice involved adults & youths. Internally, he provides strategic operational perspective to HBI’s senior leadership team.
 
Prior to joining HBI, Mario served for 21 years in the U.S. Army across multiple locations globally & nationally and has an MBA from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN.
 
Mario resides in Tennessee with his wife and children and spends time in Texas where his mother, adult children, and grandchildren reside. He enjoys the outdoors and serving in his community. 
JOSEPH F. LANDERS
Executive Officer of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Massachusetts

Joseph F. Landers, 71, is the Executive Officer of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Massachusetts having assumed that role in 2018 with a mandate from the Board of Directors to harmonize the five MA local associations, increase communications from the state to the membership, increase the public profile of the association, create a path to financial stability and elevate the states lobbying efforts. Prior to taking on the challenging state association role, Joe was Chief Executive Officer and founder of Customized Structures Inc., a custom manufacturer of single-family, multi-family and commercial modular and panelized structures which began operations in 1984. Joe has been involved in the building industry, both site-built and factory-built, since 1973 and has worked in all phases of construction from development through design and production including on site management and sales. Customized Structures produced on average 330 single family homes per year, had an employee base as high as 180 and was known as the innovator in the production and design of modular components.

 

After the sale of Customized Structures Inc. to a private equity firm in 2003 Joe remained on the Board of Directors of the Company and functioned as a consultant to the CEO. He further took on the role of helping failing building systems companies return to profitability and successfully oversaw the sale of those companies. Mr. Landers has lectured frequently on the benefits and utilization of systems-built construction to building professionals around the country and has utilized his substantial professional and industry background to provide consultation services to both national and foreign companies interested in the processes and pitfalls of building and developing utilizing building systems components.

Joe attended Northeastern University and St. Anselm’s College graduating with a B.S. in 1972. 

Joe has been a member of the National Association of Home Builders since 1974. He is past president of two local Home Builders Associations and has served two terms as President of the  State of NH Home Builders Association. Joe is also a past president of the Modular Building  Systems Council of the NAHB, has been Chairman of the National Building Systems Council (BSC)  and has served five terms as a Trustee of the BSC during which time he created the BSC logo and  wrote the brochure “Most Frequently Asked Questions about Modular Homes”. 

In 1989, Joe received the National Pacesetter Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership  and contribution to the housing industry and in 1991 was awarded the title of Builder of the Year  by the Home Builders Association of N.H. In 1992 he was appointed by the Governor to the NH  Board of Fire Control within the Department of Safety and since then was reappointed three times.  He has served as a member on the State of New Hampshire Building Code Review Board and was  appointed by the Governor of NH to the Shore Land Protection Commission. Joe was selected to  receive the 2000 S. A. Walters Chairman’s Award, the premier award in the U.S. Systems Built  Housing Industry and was installed to the New Hampshire Housing Hall of Fame for his significant  and lasting contributions to the housing industry in the State of New Hampshire.  

Joe is a Senior Life Director of the National Association of Home Builders; he is served six terms on the NAHB Budget & Finance Committee serving as Vice Chair for four of those years, he has served  as Chairman of the Resolutions Committee, the International Housing Committee and the Building  Products Issues Committee of NAHB serving on the NAHB Executive Committee multiple times. 

In 2001 Joe was elected an Area Vice President of the National Association of Home Builders  representing builders through out the northeast. 

Joe is active in his community having served as finance chairmen of his church, is a member of the  International Order of Odd Fellows, and has served on multiple boards and committees on a  volunteer basis.  

Joe and his wife, Denise, reside in Plymouth, MA, they have two children, Jessica and Brad and two  grandchildren, Lily and Jack ages 13 and 11.

Seth Appleton
President of U.S. Mortgage Insurers

The Honorable Seth Appleton is President of U.S. Mortgage Insurers. In this role, he leads USMI’s efforts to enable sustainable access to affordable mortgage credit for borrowers while protecting taxpayers. Seth previously served as President of MISMO, the real estate finance industry’s standards organization. Prior to that, Seth served as the Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD),
a position for which he was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate. In addition to his service as Assistant Secretary, Seth concurrently served as the Principal Executive Vice President of Ginnie Mae, a government corporation guaranteeing the timely payment of
principal and interest on more than $2 trillion in mortgage-backed securities.


Before joining HUD, Seth worked on Capitol Hill, including serving as Chief of Staff for U.S. Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer for more than eight years. A native of Missouri, Seth is a graduate of Stanford University and is a co-chair of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Housing Council.

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