RESIDENTIAL
BUILDING
VETERANS GUIDEBOOK TO
Open the Door to Your Future
and Build Something Great
SkilledToBuild
MICHIGAN FOUNDATION
DAWN CRANDALL
RESIDENTIAL
BUILDING
VETERANS GUIDEBOOK TO
Open the Door to Your Future
and Build Something Great
SkilledToBuild
MICHIGAN FOUNDATION
DAWN CRANDALL
© 2025 Skilled to Build Michigan Foundation
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by
any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Published by
Skilled to Build Michigan Foundation
Project coordination by
Jenkins Group, Inc. | www.jenkinsgroupinc.com
Design by Yvonne Fetig Roehler
Printed in the United States of America
29 28 27 26 25 • 5 4 3 2 1
We owe a debt of gratitude to you,
our returning veterans.
You have dedicated your life and
taken time away from your family
and friends, all in the name of serving
our country and keeping us safe.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
A need created a vision which led to the creation of this book.
Several groups and individuals need to be recognized for their
support—without them, this idea would not have become the
reality it is today.
The organizations listed below were generous in their financial
support:
Home Builders Association Foundation
HBA Charitable & Educational Foundation
Michigan Propane Gas Association
I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize the Department of
Military and Veterans Affairs for their technical guidance
and support to make sure the information we included was
accurate.
And finally, many thanks go to Ariana Dawes and Elizabeth
Yassick at the HBA of Michigan for their time in assisting with
editing and graphic design. Their time in the conceptual stage
laid the foundation for this book to go to the next level of
working with the Jenkins Group to complete the vision.
As the data provided is a snapshot in time, we invite you to visit
www.skilledtobuildmichigan.com for updates.
CONTENTS
Introduction...........................................1
Air Force..................................................9
Army..................................................... 29
Coast Guard........................................... 33
Marine Corps......................................... 35
Navy..................................................... 43
Skilled Trade Occupation Appendix......... 53
Carpenters....................................................................... 54
Carpet Installers............................................................... 56
Architects......................................................................... 58
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers.............................. 60
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers and Tapers..................... 61
Electricians....................................................................... 62
Cost Estimators................................................................. 64
Glaziers............................................................................ 66
HVAC Mechanics and Installers........................................... 67
Construction Laborers....................................................... 68
Construction Managers..................................................... 70
Painters and Construction and Maintenance Workers.......... 71
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters............................. 73
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators.... 75
Roofers............................................................................ 77
Insulation Workers............................................................ 79
Construction and Building Inspectors................................. 80
Dear Friend,
You served honorably in the military, and your sacri-
fice for our country is noticed and appreciated. You
defended the American Dream, and now we invite you
to join another honorable profession as a builder.
Your skills obtained in the military can easily transfer
from defending the American Dream to building it.
Skilled to Build Michigan Foundation created this guide-
book with you in mind. It looks at jobs in each branch
of the military that complement the trades, and then
refers you to the specific trade in the back of the book
you might want to explore.
It is our mission to cultivate future employees and
educate them about the opportunities in the residential
construction industry. Not only do we cultivate and
educate, but we also recruit. We have more than 300
employers who want to connect with a veteran and
provide them with a career in the residential construc-
tion industry.
Skilled trades in the residential building industry aren’t
the jobs of yesterday. Veterans entering the Michigan
job market have numerous opportunities available that
HOME BUILDERS
WANT YOU TO JOIN
THE RESIDENTIAL
CONSTRUCTION
INDUSTRY
don’t require the time and financial investment of a four-year
college degree program. In fact, there are roughly 132 career
choices in the home building industry. The opportunities are
endless and growing.
Skilled trades are vital to our state’s recovering economy. They
play an instrumental role in producing some of our state’s most
important products—homes being one of them. The members
of the Home Builders Association of Michigan (HBAM) are
feeling the direct impact of the labor shortage. As the number
of building permits and home values continue to rise, the
immediate demand for skilled workers is increasing as well.
You are trained in skills that can be put to use in the residential
construction industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Market
Information and Strategic Initiatives, nearly 75% of military
employment is concentrated in five military occupational
categories:
•
Transportation, Engineering, Science, and Technical
•
Combat Specialty
•
Vehicle and Machinery Mechanic
•
Electronic and Electrical Equipment and Repair
•
Health Care
The skills learned in combat specialty transfer to the construc-
tion industry as a Construction Laborer. Those trained as a
Vehicle and Machinery Mechanic have skills that are a natural fit
for HVAC Installers and Repairers.
In addition to the hard skills, you bring soft skills builders are
looking for. As a veteran, you bring leadership and teamwork
skills, organizational commitment, exposure to technology, the
ability to learn new skills, professionalism, character, respect
for procedures and accountability, resiliency, first-class image,
global perspective, and dependability.
The Need for Skilled Labor
To solve the housing crisis, we first need to take a hard look at
the workforce in residential construction. The industry lost a
generation in the trades during the housing downturn. From
workers in the trades leaving the state and relocating to where
building was taking place, to construction trades programs
being eliminated, it all added up to a labor shortage.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. It is our hope
that the graphic below shows you the opportunities, and
need, available to you TODAY in residential construction. With
a majority of licensed builders at, or near, retirement age, it is
imperative that we build the next generation of skilled laborers
to keep the American Dream alive and attainable.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there
will be roughly 48,492 veterans under the age of 40 who will
be residing in the state of Michigan by September 2025. They
are also projecting for the same timeframe, 151,342 veterans
ages 40-64 will be residing in the state of Michigan. When you
compare those numbers to the age of licensed builders in the
state of Michigan, you can see the immediate demand needed
for individuals in skilled trades.
Barriers Removed for Returning Veterans
The Michigan Legislature has made great strides in removing
barriers for you to enter the skilled trades as a returning
veteran. From 2012 through 2015, nine bills were signed into
law to assist our veterans who want to enter the trades.
P.A. 379 of 2012 allows for the use of certain military
experience as the basis for licensure as an electrician.
P.A. 380 of 2012 allows for the use of certain military
experience as the basis for licensure as a plumber.
P.A. 419 of 2012 allows for the use of certain military
experience as the basis for licensure as a security guard.
P.A. 167 of 2013 allows for the use of certain military
experience as the basis for registration and authorizes for
stationary steam engineers and boiler operators to waive the
initial license and registration fees for certain veterans.
P.A. 168 of 2013 allows for the use of certain military
experience as the basis for licensure to become a mechanical
contractor.
P.A. 169 of 2013 allows for the use of certain military
experience as the basis for licensure as a residential builder
or residential maintenance and alteration contractor.
P.A. 127 of 2014 waives the initial application and initial
registration and license fees for certain veterans.
P.A. 128 of 2014 waives the initial fees for security business
and alarm licenses for certain veterans.
P.A. 191 of 2015 amends the Boiler Act to revise provisions
recognizing military training and experience as the basis for
licensure or registration for certain classifications.
Not only do these public acts remove barriers for veterans to
enter the trades, but they create the perfect opportunity for
veterans to thrive in the building industry.
Build Something Great Guide
Skilled to Build Michigan Foundation is the nonprofit arm of
the Home Builders Association of Michigan. This guidebook
has been developed to create awareness among the veteran
community of the careers waiting for you. Information on this
program can be found by going to the Veterans section at
www.skilledtobuildmichigan.com.
We have designed this guidebook in a way for you, as a veteran,
to connect to your world. This guidebook is arranged in order
by Military Occupational Code (MOC), and it refers you to the
specific trade in the appendix. The branches of the military are
listed in alphabetical order.
This is by no means a complete listing of every MOC that may
have the transferable skills to the trades. Even if you cannot find
a particular trade you’re interested in, we still highly encourage
you to look at the other professional trades in this guidebook.
Chances are you have the skills we are looking for. Currently, we
have more than 300 employers from around the state of Mich-
igan who would hire a veteran.
If after taking a look at this guidebook you decide to enter the
residential construction industry, please send your resume with
a cover letter to Dawn Crandall at skilledtobuildmichigan@
gmail.com and you will receive a list of employers interested in
hiring a veteran, along with our monthly “I’m Hiring” guide.
Training Alternatives
While many skilled trade occupations do not require a four-year
degree, they do require some training. Currently, an appli-
cant for a Residential Builder or Maintenance and Alteration
Contractor license must complete 60 hours of approved pre-
licensure education prior to taking the examination or submit-
ting a license application to the department. All pre-licensure
education courses must be approved by the Department of
Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). A list of approved
pre-licensure education courses is available on the HBA of
Michigan’s website at www.hbaofmichigan.com/licensing.
The 60 hours of approved pre-licensure courses must include at
least six (6) hours in each subject below:
•
Business Management, Estimating, and Job Costing
•
Design and Building Science
•
Contracts, Liability, and Risk Management
•
Marketing and Sales
•
Project Management and Scheduling
•
The Michigan Residential Code
•
MIOSHA Construction Safety Standards
The rest of the 18 hours may come from other subjects on the
approved course list.
Skilled Trade Occupation Job Profiles
In this guide, you will find 17 occupations we are shining a light
on in the residential building industry.
Each occupation description in this guide provides a job
summary. It also shows the most recent wage data available
as well as the projected employment growth through 2030. In
each profile, education and training requirements are identified.
Statistical data in this guide has been provided by the State of
Michigan.
In today’s changing economy, employers are looking for an
employee who has the education, knowledge, skills, and ability
to excel at their job. Those who possess educational AND
technical skills will have a competitive advantage.
The HBA of Michigan released a report in 2017 titled “Where
Will Ten Million Michiganders Live?” The report provides three
possible solutions to encourage homebuilding in Michigan. One
of those cornerstones is building the workforce of tomorrow,
today.
Where the Data Comes From
There is a wealth of information available for someone inter-
ested in any of these careers; unfortunately, it isn’t in one
place. We have taken the time to research those websites and
compile the information in one location. Many thanks go to the
Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives as
well as to the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs. This
project would not have been accomplished without their quick
response, guidance, and advice.
Military Occupational Code (MOC)
3E131 Heating, Ventilation, Air
Conditioning, and Refrigeration
Apprentice
Installs, operates, maintains, and repairs
heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and
refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems, combustion
equipment, and industrial air compressors.
Maintains and repairs non-electric kitchen
equipment. Manages HVAC and R functions
and activities.
See HVAC Mechanics and Installers on p. 67
3E151 Heating, Ventilation, Air
Conditioning, and Refrigeration
Journeyman
Installs, operates, maintains, and repairs
heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and
refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems, combustion
equipment, and industrial air compressors.
Maintains and repairs non-electric kitchen
equipment. Manages HVAC and R functions
and activities.
See HVAC Mechanics and Installers on p. 67
3E171 Heating, Ventilation, Air
Conditioning, and Refrigeration
Craftsman
Installs, operates, maintains, and repairs
heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and
refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems, combustion
AIR FORCE
equipment, and industrial air compressors. Maintains and
repairs non-electric kitchen equipment. Manages HVAC and R
functions and activities.
See HVAC Mechanics and Installers on p. 67
3E191 Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and
Refrigeration Superintendent
Installs, operates, maintains, and repairs heating, ventilation, air
conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems, combustion
equipment, and industrial air compressors. Maintains and
repairs non-electric kitchen equipment. Manages HVAC and R
functions and activities.
See HVAC Mechanics and Installers on p. 67
54500 Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and
Refrigeration Manager
Installs, operates, maintains, and repairs heating, ventilation, air
conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems, combustion
equipment, and industrial air compressors. Maintains and
repairs non-electric kitchen equipment. Manages HVAC and R
functions and activities.
See HVAC Mechanics and Installers on p. 67
54530 Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and
Refrigeration Specialist
Installs, operates, maintains, and repairs heating, ventilation, air
conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems, combustion
equipment, and industrial air compressors. Maintains and
repairs non-electric kitchen equipment. Manages HVAC and R
functions and activities.
See HVAC Mechanics and Installers on p. 67
54550 Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and
Refrigeration Specialist
Installs, operates, maintains, and repairs heating, ventilation, air
conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems, combustion
equipment, and industrial air compressors. Maintains and
10
repairs non-electric kitchen equipment. Manages HVAC and
R functions and activities.
See HVAC Mechanics and Installers on p. 67
54570 Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and
Refrigeration Specialist
Installs, operates, maintains, and repairs heating, ventila-
tion, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems,
combustion equipment, and industrial air compressors.
Maintains and repairs non-electric kitchen equipment.
Manages HVAC and R functions and activities.
See HVAC Mechanics and Installers on p. 67
54590 Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning,
and Refrigeration Specialist
Installs, operates, maintains, and repairs heating, ventila-
tion, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems,
combustion equipment, and industrial air compressors.
Maintains and repairs non-electric kitchen equipment.
Manages HVAC and R functions and activities.
See HVAC Mechanics and Installers on p. 67
65W3 Cost Analysis – (Commissioned Officer)
Provides commanders/leadership with sound, technical,
and quantitative information as a basis for making finan-
cial and programmatic decisions. Leads and conducts
analysis and studies to estimate cost and evaluate
performance against standards, operational systems,
acquisition programs, and support activities in support of
daily operations and the war-fighting mission. Performs
cost, economic, and business case analyses and conducts
research essential to operational mission and involving
major defense acquisition programs.
See Cost Estimators on p. 64
65W4 Cost Analysis – (Commissioned Officer)
Provides commanders/leadership with sound, technical,
11
and quantitative information as a basis for making financial
and programmatic decisions. Leads and conducts analysis and
studies to estimate cost and evaluate performance against stan-
dards, operational systems, acquisition programs, and support
activities in support of daily operations and the war-fighting
mission. Performs cost, economic, and business case analyses
and conducts research essential to operational mission and
involving major defense acquisition programs.
See Cost Estimators on p. 64
32E1A Civil Engineer, Architect/Architectural
Engineer – (Commissioned Officer)
Develops and implements civil engineer (CE) force employ-
ment, and provides staff supervision and technical advice.
Performs and manages CE functions and activities to provide
facilities and infrastructure supporting the United States and
its allies. Activities include programming, budgeting, project
management, drafting, surveying, planning, feasibility studies,
construction management, utilities operations, energy and
environmental programs, land management, real property
accounting, fire protection, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD),
disaster preparedness (DP) programs, family housing and dorm
management, and mobilization programs at base level. Serves
on response teams and related installation support services.
Advises commanders and government officials on effective use
of CE resources.
See Architects on p. 58
32E2 Civil Engineer (Air Force – Officer)
Develops and implements civil engineer (CE) force employ-
ment, and provides staff supervision and technical advice.
Performs and manages CE functions and activities to provide
facilities and infrastructure supporting the United States and
its allies. Activities include programming, budgeting, project
management, drafting, surveying, planning, feasibility studies,
construction management, utilities operations, energy and
environmental programs, land management, real property
12
accounting, fire protection, explosive ordnance disposal
(EOD), disaster preparedness (DP) programs, family housing
and dorm management, and mobilization programs at base
level. Serves on response teams and related installation
support services. Advises commanders and government
officials on effective use of CE resources.
See Cost Estimators on p. 64
See Construction Managers on p. 70
32E3A Civil Engineer, Architect/Architectural
Engineer – (Commissioned Officer)
Develops and implements civil engineer (CE) force
employment, and provides staff supervision and technical
advice. Performs and manages CE functions and activities
to provide facilities and infrastructure supporting the
United States and its allies. Activities include programming,
budgeting, project management, drafting, surveying, plan-
ning, feasibility studies, construction management, utilities
operations, energy and environmental programs, land
management, real property accounting, fire protection,
explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), disaster preparedness
(DP) programs, family housing and dorm management, and
mobilization programs at base level. Serves on response
teams and related installation support services. Advises
commanders and government officials on effective use of
CE resources.
See Architects on p. 58
See Cost Estimators on p. 64
See Construction Managers on p. 70
32E4 Civil Engineer (Air Force – Officer)
Develops and implements civil engineer (CE) force
employment, and provides staff supervision and technical
advice. Performs and manages CE functions and activities
to provide facilities and infrastructure supporting the
United States and its allies. Activities include programming,
budgeting, project management, drafting, surveying,
13
planning, feasibility studies, construction management, utilities
operations, energy and environmental programs, land manage-
ment, real property accounting, fire protection, explosive
ordnance disposal (EOD), disaster preparedness (DP) programs,
family housing and dorm management, and mobilization
programs at base level. Serves on response teams and related
installation support services. Advises commanders and govern-
ment officials on effective use of CE resources.
See Cost Estimators on p. 64
See Construction Managers on p. 70
3E531 Engineering (Air Force – Enlisted)
Directs and performs civil engineering design, drafting,
surveying, and contract surveillance to support Air Force
facility construction and maintenance programs. Prepares
Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawings, specifications, and
cost estimates. Operates and maintains Geographic Information
Systems (GIS). Utilizes surveying technology to include Global
Positioning System (GPS). Evaluates potential construction sites
and performs field tests on soils, asphalt, and concrete.
See Cost Estimators on p. 64
3E551 Engineering (Air Force – Enlisted)
Directs and performs civil engineering design, drafting,
surveying, and contract surveillance to support Air Force
facility construction and maintenance programs. Prepares
Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawings, specifications, and
cost estimates. Operates and maintains Geographic Information
Systems (GIS). Utilizes surveying technology to include Global
Positioning System (GPS). Evaluates potential construction sites
and performs field tests on soils, asphalt, and concrete.
See Cost Estimators on p. 64
3E571 Engineering (Air Force – Enlisted)
Directs and performs civil engineering design, drafting,
surveying, and contract surveillance to support Air Force facility
construction and maintenance programs. Prepares Computer
14
Aided Design (CAD) drawings, specifications, and cost
estimates. Operates and maintains Geographic Information
Systems (GIS). Utilizes surveying technology to include
Global Positioning System (GPS). Evaluates potential
construction sites and performs field tests on soils, asphalt,
and concrete.
See Cost Estimators on p. 64
3E591 Engineering (Air Force – Enlisted)
Directs and performs civil engineering design, drafting,
surveying, and contract surveillance to support Air Force
facility construction and maintenance programs. Prepares
Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawings, specifications,
and cost estimates. Operates and maintains Geographic
Information Systems (GIS). Utilizes surveying technology to
include Global Positioning System (GPS). Evaluates poten-
tial construction sites and performs field tests on soils,
asphalt, and concrete.
See Cost Estimators on p. 64
55330 Engineering Specialist (Air Force – Enlisted)
Directs and performs civil engineering design, drafting,
surveying, and contract surveillance to support Air Force
facility construction and maintenance programs. Prepares
Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawings, specifications,
and cost estimates. Operates and maintains Geographic
Information Systems (GIS). Utilizes surveying technology to
include Global Positioning System (GPS). Evaluates poten-
tial construction sites and performs field tests on soils,
asphalt, and concrete.
See Cost Estimators on p. 64
55350 Engineering Specialist (Air Force – Enlisted)
Directs and performs civil engineering design, drafting,
surveying, and contract surveillance to support Air Force
facility construction and maintenance programs. Prepares
Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawings, specifications, and
15