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Building Strong Futures: Honoring Veterans with Skilled Trades Training

students in HBi military program smiling

May is Military Appreciation Month – a time to recognize the courage, discipline, and sacrifice of those who’ve served in our nation’s armed forces. At the Home Builders Institute (HBI), we celebrate this month by reaffirming our commitment to empowering military families, veterans and transitioning service members with the skills, support, and opportunities to build successful careers in the construction industry.

What Is the HBI Military Services Program?

The HBI Military Services Program was launched to support the growing number of veterans and transitioning service members seeking a new mission after military service. Recognizing that military-based skills don’t always translate directly to civilian careers, HBI developed a no-cost training model tailored to help these individuals build new, sustainable career paths in the building trades. The program is open to active-duty service members within 180 days of separation (with command approval), veterans, and military dependents. Participants receive hands-on training, industry-recognized certifications, and personalized job placement support to help them succeed in a high-demand field that values discipline, teamwork, and leadership.

What the Program Includes

HBI’s Military Services and Veterans Training Program offers a full continuum of training and support designed to guide students from day one through job placement. Key components include:

  • Student recruitment and case management
  • Screening and assessment to identify each student’s strengths and goals
  • Individualized training plans tailored to specific career pathways
  • Academic instruction and hands-on trade skills training
  • Life skills education to promote personal and professional growth
  • Employability skills development including résumé building and interview prep
  • Job search and placement support with continued follow-up to promote retention and advancement

Training is conducted through the Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) program, which blends classroom learning with on-the-job style experiences. Graduates leave with strong technical skills and nationally recognized certifications, ready to launch their construction careers.

A Career Path Beyond the Uniform

Veterans are one of the largest displaced groups in today’s workforce. The transition from military service to civilian employment often requires new skills and a new mission. That’s where HBI comes in.

Through our free 12-week PACT program, HBI offers:

  • Up to 75% hands-on construction training
  • Nationally recognized certifications
  • Employability and life skills support
  • Job placement assistance through our network of over 700 industry partners

With an 87% job placement rate since the program’s launch, graduates are workforce-ready and equipped for lasting success.

SkillBridge Program: A Mission-Aligned Partnership

HBI is a free SkillBridge program thanks to The Home Depot Foundation, providing cost-free training to transitioning service members in the final 180 days of their active duty. The Department of Defense DoD SkillBridge program is for transitioning service members, military veterans, and military dependents.

With approval from their chain of command, eligible service members can enroll in our training programs without using military or GI Bill benefits. The DoD SkillBridge Transitioning Military Program includes:

  • A pre-enrollment interview with HBI staff
  • Full access to HBI’s 12-week curriculum
  • Hands-on training in Carpentry, Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing
  • Support in job readiness, certifications, and job placement

With military construction career training centers nationwide, HBI is making it even easier for service members in these regions to take the next step.

Results That Matter

HBI’s Military Services Program continues to grow and make a measurable difference in the lives of veterans and their families.

Here are a few key metrics highlighting our impact:

  • 📈 4% increase in veteran and military enrollment in 2024 over 2023
  • 💼 87% job placement rate for program graduates since launch

🏗️ 72% industry-specific placement rate—meaning nearly three-quarters of graduates are now working in the building and construction trades

Military Student Success Spotlight

Sasha Ford
After serving in the U.S. Army as a 12K Plumber, Sasha Ford turned to HBI to expand her construction skills and pursue a new civilian career. Enrolling in HBI’s Military Services Program in Colorado, she mastered both carpentry and electrical trades while becoming a standout class leader. Sasha is now preparing to start a new role as an Apprentice Electrician with Encore Electric in Colorado Springs and working toward her long-term goal of opening her own trades business. 

Her journey is a testament to the power of veteran resilience, ambition, and HBI’s ability to prepare service members for meaningful, long-term careers in the construction industry.

Rae Patterson
After leaving the U.S. Air Force in 2023 to focus on family, Rae Patterson found purpose in helping others with home repairs, igniting a passion for skilled trades. She joined HBI’s Military Services Program at Fort Liberty, where she excelled in both carpentry and electrical training. Her dedication earned her the prestigious Student Hall of Fame Award. Now working in residential renovations, Rae continues to grow her career while giving back to her community. 

Rae’s story highlights how HBI empowers veterans to turn their service-driven mindset into rewarding careers in construction.

Charles Records
Originally from Pennsylvania, Charles Records enlisted in the U.S. Army at 18, beginning a journey that would eventually lead him to a new passion and career path. As he prepared to transition back to civilian life at Fort Cavazos, Texas, Charles discovered HBI’s Military Services Program and enrolled in the electrical training track.

Through HBI’s hands-on, career-focused training, Charles developed the technical skills and industry knowledge he needed to succeed. Upon graduation, he was hired by a local electrical company in Central Texas, where he continues to build his career in a trade he loves.

Driven by his passion for the construction industry and a desire to give back, Charles now aspires to become a teacher or start his own business using his experience to mentor the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

Veterans Are Built for This

At HBI, we believe veterans are uniquely suited to the construction industry. Their discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving skills make them ideal candidates for skilled trade careers. That’s why we go beyond the classroom – offering mentorship, ongoing career guidance, and access to advancement opportunities like apprenticeships and superintendent training.

Join Us in Changing a Military Veteran’s Future

This May, help us honor the men and women who’ve served by supporting their journey to new careers in construction. Whether you’re a transitioning service member ready to build your next chapter or an employer looking to hire highly trained talent, HBI is here to help.

🔗 Learn more about our military programs  
📍 Training Locations: training centers nationwide
📞Contact us: contacthbi@hbi.org

At HBI, we don’t just build careers – we build futures.

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Home Builders Institute (HBI) is an exempt organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

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Contacts Us

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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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