National Hire a Veteran Day on July 25, 2025, presents construction companies with an opportunity to address workforce challenges while supporting those who served our country. Established by a Marine Corps veteran in 2017, this annual observance highlights the untapped potential of veteran job seekers in the civilian workforce. With roughly 200,000 service members transitioning to civilian life annually, construction companies have access to a substantial pool of candidates who possess technical expertise and leadership experience that directly translates to skilled trades, supervisory roles and project management positions. 

The construction industry can also benefit from hiring more veterans. The industry is facing a shortage of workers, especially skilled workers. Arcoro’s research found 94% of companies are experiencing hiring challenges across both salaried and craft positions. With the current pressing need for construction companies to find more workers, hiring more veterans could help fill a huge gap with workers that already have many of the skills construction companies want. 

Why Veterans Excel in Construction Roles 

Military service develops transferable competencies that directly benefit construction companies, making veteran recruitment a strategic advantage. Research from the National Center for Construction Education and Research highlights these valuable attributes: 

• Proven Leadership Capabilities -- Military training develops leaders at every level who know how to communicate effectively and motivate teams toward shared objectives. 
• Collaborative Mindset -- Veterans understand that mission success depends on teamwork and are experienced in working with people from diverse backgrounds and skill sets. 
• Adaptability Under Pressure -- Military experience teaches rapid adjustment to changing conditions. Veterans excel at learning new processes quickly and handling unexpected challenges on job sites. 
• Strong Work Ethic -- Veterans bring self-discipline and accountability that reduces the need for constant oversight, making them valuable for field-based operations. 
• Dependability -- Understanding how individual actions impact team success makes veterans reliable employees who take their commitments seriously. 
• Strategic Thinking -- Military training emphasizes planning and organization, skills that translate well to project management and site coordination. 
• Mission-Focused Approach -- Veterans are trained to complete objectives despite obstacles and can handle the demanding conditions and unexpected situations common in construction. 
• Equipment Experience -- Many veterans have hands-on experience with heavy equipment including excavators, cranes and specialized machinery. 
• Performance Under Deadlines -- Veterans are accustomed to working efficiently under time pressure and in high-stress environments. 

Strategies for Recruiting Veteran Talent 

Companies should begin by exploring the Department of Labor's comprehensive veteran hiring resources. Regional Veterans Coordinators can connect employers with qualified veteran candidates. The DOL's Employer Guide to Hiring Veterans provides detailed strategies for veteran recruitment and offers proven practices such as developing mentorship programs and writing veteran-focused job postings. 

Veterans respond well to employers who emphasize organizational mission and purpose rather than just job duties. When crafting job descriptions, focus on skills and competencies rather than specific years of experience requirements, as veterans may have equivalent expertise gained through military service. 

After developing targeted job descriptions, a good applicant tracking system (ATS) helps companies post openings on veteran-specific job boards for targeted outreach. An ATS can also generates custom QR codes that connect veteran candidates directly to application portals. And, the right system maintains comprehensive applicant records needed for compliance with federal requirements such as the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). 

VEVRAA requirements apply to federal contractors and subcontractors with contracts of $100,000 or more and 50+ employees. The act prohibits discrimination against protected veterans, including those who completed active military duty without receiving a dishonorable discharge. 

Expanding veteran recruitment represents a sound business strategy for construction companies. Veterans offer diverse skill sets that can help address workforce gaps as experienced workers retire. Smart companies are broadening their talent acquisition efforts to actively pursue veteran candidates.