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Career Technical Education for Veterans

How HBI Helps Military Talent Build Civilian Careers

Transitioning from Military service to civilian life comes with big decisions – especially when it comes to career paths. Veterans bring discipline, leadership, problem-solving skills, and a strong work ethic, yet many struggle to find training programs that translate their experience into meaningful, well-paid civilian careers.

That’s where Home Builders Institute (HBI) comes in.

For more than 50 years, HBI has provided Career Technical Education (CTE) that prepares individuals for hands-on careers in the skilled trades, with a strong focus on real-world training and employment placement support. For Military members, Veterans, and their families, HBI offers an alternative – and often faster – pathway into the construction industry.

What Is HBI’s Career Technical Education Model?

HBI’s Career Technical Education programs are designed to meet people where they are – whether they are transitioning out of the Military, changing careers, or looking to build on existing experience.

HBI programs focus on:

  • Hands-on skilled trades training aligned with industry needs
  • Residential construction pathways, including carpentry, electrical, HVAC, and more
  • Industry-recognized credentials, including HBI’s Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT)
  • Employment placement assistance, connecting graduates with local employers
  • Career readiness skills, including jobsite safety, professionalism, and teamwork

This approach makes HBI a strong fit for Veterans who prefer practical, skills-based learning and want to enter the workforce quickly with credentials employers trust.

Learn more about HBI’s national training mode:
👉 https://hbi.org/

An Alternative Pathway for Veterans and Career Changers

For many Veterans, traditional college isn’t the right next step – and it doesn’t have to be.

HBI provides an alternative pathway for transitioning service members, Veterans, Military spouses, and dependents who want to:

  • Launch a new civilian career
  • Enhance existing construction or technical experience
  • Re-enter the workforce with in-demand, transferable skills
  • Find stable, high-growth careers in the construction industry

Construction offers long-term opportunity, competitive wages, and advancement potential – without requiring years in a classroom. HBI’s programs are built to help Veterans move forward with confidence and purpose.

Explore HBI’s Military-focused programs here:
👉 https://hbi.org/Military

Expanding Veteran Access Through Partnerships and Wraparound Support

HBI’s goal is not only to serve Veterans – but to expand access nationwide through strategic partnerships.

By working with:

  • Veteran service organizations
  • Military transition programs
  • Community-based nonprofits
  • Employers and workforce boards

HBI helps bring training closer to where Veterans live while connecting them to wraparound services such as housing assistance, transportation support, career coaching, and job placement.

These partnerships are essential to ensuring Veterans have the support they need to complete training and successfully transition into civilian employment.

The Home Depot Foundation has provided long-standing support of our transitioning Military programs, on or near ten installations across the country.  With The Home Depot’s support, we have placed nearly 5,000 transitioning service members into new careers.

We now have an ambitious goal of training 2,500 Service Members and Veterans by the end of 2027.  But we will need help from funders and sponsors and other Veterans-minded organizations to reach that goal.

Veteran Success Stories: From Service to Skilled Careers

🎖️ From Military Service to the Jobsite: HBI Military Service Program

Veterans who participate in HBI’s Military Service Program often describe the transition as a natural fit. The hands-on training, clear expectations, and team-based environment mirror many aspects of Military life – while providing industry-recognized construction credentials and direct connections to employers.

Through this program, Veterans gain practical skills, earn HBI’s Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) credential, and receive employment placement support that helps them move quickly into civilian construction careers.

One of the most powerful examples of HBI’s impact is the success of the veterans who complete our programs and step confidently into civilian careers.

🎖️ Sasha Ford – From Army Plumber to Apprentice Electrician

After serving in the U.S. Army as a 12K Plumber, Sasha Ford knew she wanted to build on her construction experience and expand her skill set for long-term civilian success.

She enrolled in HBI’s Military Services Program in Colorado, where she trained in both carpentry and electrical trades. Sasha quickly became a standout leader in her class, demonstrating the discipline, teamwork, and resilience that so many veterans bring to the jobsite.

Today, Sasha is preparing to begin her new role as an Apprentice Electrician with Encore Electric in Colorado Springs. She is also working toward her long-term goal of opening her own trades business.

Her journey reflects what’s possible when military experience is paired with structured, hands-on Career Technical Education. Sasha’s story is a testament to veteran ambition – and HBI’s commitment to preparing service members for meaningful, long-term careers in construction.

🛠️ Nick Reppert – From Mortarman to Carpentry Apprentice in New Jersey

Nick Reppert served four years in the U.S. Army as a mortarman before making the courageous decision to transition back to civilian life with a clear mission – return home to New Jersey and launch a fulfilling career in the skilled trades.

In November 2024, Nick graduated from HBI’s program at Camp Pendleton, where he gained hands-on experience in carpentry and electrical work. With the guidance of his HBI career counselor and the strong technical foundation built during training, Nick was accepted into the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Military Veterans Program (UBC MVP) – a respected pathway that connects veterans with advanced millwright and carpentry training opportunities.

After completing the program, Nick officially began his new journey as a Carpentry Apprentice in New Jersey.

Nick’s story is a powerful reminder that when determination meets opportunity, the transition from military service to civilian career can be both seamless and successful. We are incredibly proud of all he has achieved – and excited to see what he builds next.

To learn more Military Veteran and student success stories: 
👉 https://hbi.org/stories

FAQs About Careers in Construction for Military Veterans

What types of construction careers does HBI train Veterans for?

HBI Military programs prepare participants for careers in residential construction, including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and general construction roles. Training is aligned with employer needs and local job markets.

Do Veterans need prior construction experience to enroll?

No. HBI programs are designed for beginners as well as those with some experience. Military skills such as teamwork, leadership, and discipline often translate well to construction careers.

Does HBI help Veterans find jobs after training?

Yes. Employment placement assistance is a core part of HBI’s Career Technical Education model. HBI works with local and national employers to connect graduates with job opportunities.

Are HBI programs only for Veterans?

No. While HBI offers dedicated Military and Veteran pathways, programs, such as our BuildStrong Academies, also serve career changers, young adults, justice-involved individuals, and others seeking skilled trades careers.

How can an organization partner with HBI to support Veterans?

Help us to serve those who have served! Organizations can collaborate with HBI to host or support training programs, provide wraparound services, or connect employers with trained talent. Email military@hbi.org to start the conversation.  

How You Can Get Involved

🤝 Bring an HBI Veteran Program to Your Community

Interested in collaborating to add or expand an HBI program serving Veterans in your local area?
📧 Contact military@hbi.org

🎖️ Military  & Veterans: Explore Training Opportunities

If you are transitioning out of the Military, a veteran, or a dependent, HBI can help you explore training options that fit your goals.
👉 https://hbi.org/military

🛠️ Hire HBI Graduates

Construction employers looking for trained, job-ready talent can connect directly with HBI graduates nationwide.
👉 https://hbi.org/recruit/ 

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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. 

Zach Harris

BuildStrong Academy of Greater New Orleans Graduate

Zach Harris is a native New Orleans resident, two-time graduate of Tulane University and a 27-year-old construction entrepreneur. Zach comes from a family of builders and grew up around real estate and residential construction. In fact, Zach enrolled in no-cost trades training at the BuildStrong Academy of Greater New Orleans with his mother in 2022, followed by his father and two brothers in 2023.

Zach Harris - HBI Build Strong Academy New Orleans Graduate

His construction company, Zach the Builder, crafts safer New Orleans homes via reliable roofing services. “The Academy classes cater to different experience levels and different interests. I had the construction business experience but needed to understand the craft,” says Zach. “You can’t be a great coach if you haven’t played football before.”

Outside of running his company, Zach enjoys using his in-demand skill set to give back to the community. To commemorate Memorial Day 2023, Zach and other students and graduates from BSA Greater New Orleans volunteered to help build a home for a veteran in the Lower 9th Ward.

2023 MVP Class Schedule
2023 MVP Class Schedule - HVAC