Hiring Our Heroes Skilled Trades Academy
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation - Hiring Our Heroes
Check before you apply: details change often, so confirm on the official page before you apply.
- Who it's for
- SkillBridge-eligible transitioning service members (final 180 days, with command approval), veterans, military spouses and working-age military dependents ages 18-26; no degree or trades experience required
Open to: veterans, active duty / transitioning service members, spouses, family or caregivers. - Cost
- Free
- Free with no benefit?
- Yes: no GI Bill, VR&E or VET TEC benefit needed.
- What you get
- Free hands-on trades training with industry certifications and employer connections. Tracks: construction (6 weeks full-time; credentials may include OSHA 30, NCCER Core, DOT flagger, forklift, CPR/first aid; Jacksonville NC, National Capital Region near Fort Belvoir, Camp Springs MD), automotive technician (Clarksville TN), manufacturing (Lakewood WA) and a Microsoft data center pathway (Phoenix AZ)
- Type
- Training program / bootcamp
- Credential strength
- 3/5: Hands-on trade training with industry safety and skills certificates and job placement help.
- Duration
- 6 weeks full-time (construction track)
- Format
- In person
- Location
- Jacksonville NC; National Capital Region (Fort Belvoir VA); Camp Springs MD; Clarksville TN; Lakewood WA; Phoenix AZ
- Deadline
- Construction cohorts: Jacksonville NC Sep 28 - Nov 6, 2026; Camp Springs MD Oct 5 - Nov 13, 2026; Fort Belvoir VA area Oct 12 - Nov 20, 2026
- Next start
- Construction: Oct 5 and Oct 12, 2026 cohorts
- Status
- Open
- Stipend / housing / travel
- No stipend; housing and transportation not provided
- Jobs it can lead to
- Automotive Technician; Construction Trades; Facilities Maintenance Technician
- Notes
- Cost, eligibility and cohort dates from the construction track page (hiringourheroes.org/career-services/skilled-trades-academy/construction/). Funded by sponsors including the Lowe's Foundation.
- Official page
- hiringourheroes.org/career-services/skilled-trades-academy
- Last checked
- Oct 4, 2026