There are more than 18 million veterans living in the United States. Building your workforce up with this demographic gives construction companies a strategic advantage as these workers come with essential skills like discipline, problem-solving and adaptability that can help companies build an effective and productive workforce. 

According to the 2024 Workforce Survey from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and Arcoro, an overwhelming 94% of companies report difficulty in hiring employees, including both salaried and craft positions. Targeting veterans offers a viable solution to the hiring shortage, that many companies are already taking advantage of. According to the report , 80% of companies are actively looking to hire veterans. These workers come with both soft and hard skills that can help construction teams work more efficiently. 

Essential Soft Skills of Veterans 

Soft skills are personal attributes and abilities that dictate how employees act with others in a professional setting, according to Forbes. Soft skills are skills that are hard to quantify but nonetheless are essential for workers to possess. An employee’s soft skills show how they collaborate, manage time, communicate and generally work with others. 

Veterans possess a variety of soft skills including resiliency, determination, loyalty and discipline. The military has also taught them other essential soft skills including: 

  • Communication 
  • Leadership 
  • Teamwork 
  • Adaptability 
  • Problem solving 
  • Critical thinking 

Veterans can use many of these soft skills in construction and other field services roles. 

Discipline and Accountability 

Veterans bring an ingrained sense of discipline and accountability as military service instills a deep commitment to standards and results. These qualities align with the demands of construction like meeting deadlines, following strict safety protocols or executing plans precisely. Their reliability in fulfilling duties builds a foundation of trust that enhances team morale and ensures project milestones are met. 

Leadership and Teamwork 

The military provides extensive training in both leading and following within a team structure, and in construction, collaborative effort is key. Veterans understand how to motivate peers, resolve conflicts and work cohesively in high-stakes situations. Their experience in both leadership and following orders means they can lead teams, communicate goals clearly and step into a support role if needed.  

Problem-Solving 

Veterans are trained to think on their feet, make quick decisions and adapt to ever-changing conditions—critical skills for the unpredictable nature of construction. Challenges in construction, from unforeseen project delays to safety hazards, require quick thinking and solutions. Veterans bring a calm, solution-focused mindset that can be invaluable when things don’t go according to plan. 

Hard Skills Possessed by Veterans 

Hard skills, also known as technical skills, are technical knowledge or training that has been gained through life, career or education experience. Hard skills include: 

  • Speaking a foreign language 
  • Customer service experience 
  • Budget management 
  • Computer program knowledge 
  • Scheduling 
  • Certifications 

Many veterans also possess several hard skills suitable for construction due to the multitude of jobs performed in the military, from healthcare and intelligence to maintenance and construction. 

Technical and Equipment Skills 

From operating heavy machinery to understanding mechanical systems, veterans’ technical and equipment skills can reduce training time and integrate seamlessly into construction roles. Even when their skills aren’t directly transferable, veterans possess a high degree of adaptability and a willingness to learn, which accelerates their development in any new role or technical area. 

Safety Awareness 

Safety is a critical priority on construction sites, and veterans are often experts in safety protocols due to their rigorous military training. They’re accustomed to assessing risks, following safety procedures and ensuring the welfare of their teammates. For construction companies, veterans bring a heightened awareness of hazards and a proactive approach to safety that can help reduce accidents and enhance the overall safety culture within the organization. 

For construction companies, hiring veterans is not just an opportunity to support those who served but also a strategic move that enhances productivity, safety and morale. By bridging the skills gap with veterans, the construction industry can gain a workforce equipped with leadership, discipline, technical skills and an unyielding commitment to success.  

Incorporating veterans into your team helps build a strong workforce. Companies can take steps to promote more veterans as they can help fill the skills gap left by retiring Baby Boomers and help train new and existing members of your workforce. 

ExakTime is committed to helping construction companies meet their changing needs, like managing their workforces more efficiently with digital time tracking and other tools like scheduling and advanced analytic dashboards.  

Contact us to learn more.