Construction Law
Why Military Veterans and the Construction Industry Are a Perfect Match
In this brief article, we’ll discuss why military veterans and the construction industry are such a perfect match. We’ll also explore the connection between skills taught in the military and those needed in the industry, how the construction industry can help veterans transition to civilian life, and how your construction firm could benefit from hiring veterans. For more information on how you can attract and retain veterans to the construction industry through an emphasis on benefits and education opportunities, consult with our team of Portland construction lawyers at Cotney Attorneys & Consultants.
Related: Career Opportunities for Military Veterans in Construction
Veterans Bring Transferable Skills to the Construction Industry
By far, the number one reason why military veterans and the construction industry are such a perfect match is that veterans bring transferable leadership, management, and technical skills with them from their military service. No matter their rank or position, veterans understand how to quickly earn the trust of their peers and undertake a leadership position. This is due to the fact that they served in a constantly changing environment that enabled them to become masters of flexibility and adaptability. Each and every veteran is familiar with the necessity to think outside the box given that they are often tasked with issues that require complex problem-solving skills.
On the technical side, many areas of the military, such as the Naval Construction Battalion (Seabees) and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE), provide technical training that is directly applicable to the construction industry. Veterans from any of these service areas qualify for a wide variety of positions in the industry, from equipment operators to foremen and carpenters. Non-combat military positions have been known to align with support services in construction, such as human resources and finance. If you’re facing challenges on your job site, such as labor shortages or poor productivity, consult a Portland construction attorney for sound legal advice and aggressive representation.
Related: Transferable Skills for Veterans in Construction
The Construction Industry Can Help Veterans Transition to Civilian Life
Civilians often do not account for or are not aware of the unique challenges veterans face as a result of separation from military service and the return to civilian life. Many veterans may not have looked, applied, or interviewed for a civilian job before making a career for themselves in the military. They may also find it difficult to adjust to the competitive environment of a civilian workplace as opposed to the collaborative culture of service and teamwork of the military.
By joining the construction industry and learning how their skillset aligns with the needs of the job position, veterans are able to find a new sense of purpose when transitioning to civilian life. There is also a sense of familiarity in the industry. The construction industry feels more like a family or community, and veterans are able to form bonds with their team members in completion of a project in the same way they formed bonds with their fellow soldiers. A great way to foster a culture of safety and productivity on your jobsite that will attract skilled workers like veterans is to keep your workplace in compliance with local and state regulations with the help of a Portland construction lawyer.
Related: 6 Benefits of Hiring Veterans in Construction
Your Construction Firm Can Benefit From Hiring Veterans
There’s a good reason that more and more construction firms are finding that adding veterans to their workforce is not just a good idea but also good for their business. Even veterans without direct military construction experience are exceptional candidates due to their sought-after leadership qualities, ability to work under pressure, and capability to meet deadlines. Apart from being exceptional problem solvers, these veterans also bring with them strong work ethic and dedication to completing their mission.
A great way to begin attracting and retaining veterans to the construction industry is by working to create or improve a veteran hiring program. While there’s no one correct approach to hiring veterans, there are steps you can take to better understand the uniqueness of a veteran’s job search and support him or her in their transition into civilian life. We recommend talking through the expectations and organizational structure of your job site with military veterans in order to cultivate a healthy and effective change to their new environment.
If you would like to speak with one of our Portland construction attorneys, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.