opportunities for veterans make our union strong
The men and women who serve in our armed forces demonstrate a certain set of values when they enlist and complete their deployment. Those values are supplemented by discipline, skills and maturity learned and earned through military service. The North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters appreciates the service of military veterans and places a high value on their skills and experience.
As a union, we’re proud to have so many military veterans as members. They have certainly earned the right to work in jobs that pay great wages and provide health and retirement benefits. The leadership and attitude veterans bring from their military training make us better both in the union hall and on the jobsite. That’s why we always look forward to finding and welcoming more veterans into our union.
We’ve listed a few programs below that can help veterans explore or enter a career as a union carpenter. But there are other valuable services and financial resources available to military service veterans following their separation. From cash stipends and other direct payments and reimbursements, to tax incentives for employers, they are several connected to education and work. To learn about and access these, we suggest contacting the Veteran Service Officer in the local city or town government offices.
Military Partnership Programs
Helmets to Hardhats
Helmets to Hardhats not only places vets on a fast track to union apprenticeship, but most importantly into a career. It is a free, nonprofit program that connects transitioning military service members and veterans with quality career opportunities in the construction industry.
MVP – Military Veterans Program
Earn while you learn! This 8-week training program makes it easy to transition from the military to a career in the trades as an industrial mechanic/millwright or carpenter. The training is completely free with direct entry and 1-year credit into our Millwright or Carpenter apprenticeship programs. No GI bill. Work where you live or travel to where your skills are needed in essential industries like construction, power plants, petrochemical, mining, automotive, aerospace, process plants, highway construction, interior systems, and more. Your MOS may have already prepared you, but no experience is necessary.
DOL VETS
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Veterans’ Employment and Training Services initiated a pilot program to enhance the Department’s ability to provide transitioning service members and their spouses with assistance to be successful in the civilian workforce. NASCTF will participate in the Department’s Employment Navigator and Partnership Pilot program where an installation at Fort Drum will be held and DOL Employment Navigators will help veterans and their spouses’ complete self-assessments, do skills testing, and explore career options like one in the construction industry.
The US Army ACASP Program
The Army Civilian Acquired Skills Program (ACASP) provides the opportunity to those who have received civilian training, education or experience in an area that would apply to an MOS, the opportunity to enlist at an advanced rank of specialist and receive a higher pay grade. The US Army is adding the United Brotherhood of Carpenters to their ACASP regulations, officially recognizing the UBC’s program as an accredited ACASP program.