UBC Military Veterans Program Builds Bridges from Military Service to Construction Careers

The United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) has created a powerful solution in collaboration with INSTALL (International Standards & Training Alliance) that addresses both the construction industry’s workforce needs and veterans’ search for meaningful civilian careers. The UBC Military Veterans Program, launched in 2019, has emerged as a successful bridge between military service and construction careers, graduating 628 veterans and counting.

Mark Benacquisto, executive director of Millwright Pile Driver Labor Management, spearheaded the program’s development.

“We spend about $1.2-1.3 million a year training at five different sites, and we don’t charge them anything for it,” Benacquisto said. The program operates under the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge initiative, allowing service members in their final 180 days to receive specialized training while still on active duty.

The program’s success stems from recognizing that veterans already possess many essential qualities employers seek. “They’ve got the leadership skills, they can take command, they’re used to chain of command, they can show up on time,” Benacquisto said. “What we need is the skillsets that the military already gave them – being able to show up on time, having a good attitude, being able to take command, and working in a team environment.”

Training takes place at multiple military installations, including Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) in Texas, Fort Drum in New York, Fort Campbell in Kentucky, Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, and Camp Pendleton in California, with plans to expand to Norfolk Naval Base in Virginia. The eight-week program combines four weeks of core curriculum – including OSHA certification, first aid, CPR, and blueprint reading – with specialized craft training in areas such as millwright work, pile driving, or interior systems.

David Gross, executive director of INSTALL, emphasizes how the program benefits both veterans and the industry. “They’re excellent candidates for our program. They know what’s going on. They can get right to work and be productive,” he said. The program allows veterans to use their GI Bill benefits during apprenticeship, providing additional financial support during their transition.

The program’s placement rate demonstrates its effectiveness. “For this year alone, we graduated 186 service members,” Benacquisto reported, with projections of 225 graduates for next year, not including potential expansion to Norfolk. Approximately 30% of graduates choose to stay near their final duty station, making it crucial for the program to operate in areas with strong construction demand.

The UBC offers various paths within the construction trades, including flooring, millwright work, pile driving, interior systems, and general carpentry. Program coordinators work closely with veterans to match their interests and skills to the right specialty, even helping those who might be better suited for management roles like estimator or project manager positions with UBC contractors.

Multiple entry points exist for veterans interested in the program. They can apply directly through www.ubcmvp.org, through the Helmets to Hardhats program (helmetstohardhats.org), or by contacting their local UBC facility. The program also assists with resume development, translating military experience into civilian terms, and coordinating with local training centers and contractors.

As the construction industry continues to evolve and grow, programs like the UBC Military Veterans Program demonstrate how strategic partnerships can create win-win situations – providing veterans with valuable career opportunities while helping to meet the industry’s growing demand for skilled workers.