HOH Skilled Trades Academy offers hands-on training that prepares transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses, and working-age dependent military children for high-demand careers in the skilled trades.

Program Overview

Hands-On Training for High-Demand Careers

Through hands-on training and multiple career pathways, participants gain practical skills, professional development, and networking opportunities—all at no cost.

SkillBridge Approved

The Skilled Trades Academy is an approved Department of War SkillBridge opportunity, allowing eligible transitioning service members to participate during their final 180 days of service with command approval.

Choose Your Industry Path

Construction

Focus: Gain skills in residential electrical, wiring fundamentals, plumbing fundamentals, construction estimation, and blueprint reading.

Certifications: OSHA 30, Department of Transportation Flagger, American Heart Association Heartsaver, Forklift Driver, Work Zone Safety.

Locations & Dates:

Camp Lejeune (Jacksonville, NC)

September 28 - November 6, 2026

NCR (Fort Belvoir, VA)

October 12 - November 20, 2026

Camp Springs, MD

October 5 - November 13, 2026

Advanced Manufacturing

Focus: Gain experience with industry-grade equipment, integrated systems, and real-world production scenarios.

Certifications: Intelligent Machine Operator and Siemens Mechatronics Systems Certification (SMSCP), Level I

Locations & Dates:

Lakewood, WA (near Joint Base Lewis-McChord)

Cohort 1: October 6 – December 2, 2026
Cohort 2: January 11 – February 19, 2027
Cohort 3: March 29 – May 7, 2027

Automotive Technician

Focus: The Automotive Technician pathway prepares military-connected individuals for entry-level careers in the automotive industry. Participants gain hands-on experience using professional tools, equipment, service information systems, and industry-standard repair procedures while developing the technical and workplace skills employers value.

Certifications: OSHA 10, Alignments (TCAT), Starting and Charging System Diagnosis (TCAT), Brakes (TCAT), Introduction to Scan Tool Diagnostics (TCAT), Basic Automotive Electrical (TCAT), General Maintenance (TCAT), Automotive Systems (TCAT)

Locations & Dates:

Clarksville, TN

Cohort 1: October 12 – November 20, 2026
Cohort 2: January 11 – February 22, 2027
Cohort 3: March 8 – April 15, 2027

Data Centers

Focus: The Military Datacenter Pathway-VETS program is more than training—it’s a career transition opportunity. In just eight weeks, you will be ready to leverage your electrical, mechanical, maintenance, or HVAC skills in a Microsoft datacenter.

Training Locations: Online, plus one week on-site in Boydton, Virginia

Available Role Locations:

After training, roles are available in the following locations:

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Abilene, Texas
Des Moines, Iowa

Training Timeline:

Seven of the training program’s eight weeks of paid training are completed virtually, with one in-person, hands-on week.

January 25, 2027 | Virtual Training Begins

Participants dedicate approximately 10 hours each week to virtual learning, including two instructor-led sessions.

March 1 – 4, 2027 | On-Site Training in Boydton, VA

Participants attend one week of in-person training. The cost to participate in the on-site training is fully covered—flights, hotel, transportation, and meals are included.

March 19, 2027 | Training Ends

Participants are prepared for a new career in one of the world’s most critical industries.

Upcoming Cohorts

The May/June 2027 cohort is expected to include training opportunities at the same locations, with specific dates to be announced in early 2027.

Skilled Trades Academy Benefits

Gain Experience and Training

Hands-on training in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, masonry, etc
Resume building and interview preparation
Networking with local employers
Industry-recognized certifications
No cost to participants
No degree required

Eligibility Requirements

Transitioning Service Members

Service member candidates have program timelines aligning with a specific cohort and must meet these requirements:

Be on active duty or transition leave
Be within 180 days of transition from military service at the start of the 6-week program
Obtain command support to participate in the DoW SkillBridge program
Be able to complete the training in person and have reliable transportation

Veterans, Military Spouses & Working-Age Dependent Military Children

May apply for any cohort and must meet these requirements:

Have a GED or high school diploma
Have 1+ year of work experience
Be currently unemployed, underemployed, or expecting an upcoming relocation which will cause an employment gap
Complete the training in person and have reliable transportation
All applicants are highly encouraged to attend an HOH Amplify career development intensive prior to applying

Ready to start your next mission? Apply now!

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