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 (now accepting applications)
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
- Cohort 1: Oct 5 – Nov 18, 2026
- Cohort 2: Jan 11 – Feb 19, 2027
- Cohort 3: Mar 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
- October 12 – November 20, 2026
- January 11 – February 22, 2027
- 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
Role 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.
- September 14, 2026 | Virtual Training Begins
Participants dedicate approximately 10 hours each week to virtual learning, including two instructor-led sessions.
- October 19 – 23, 2026 | On-Site Experience
Participants attend one week of in-person training in Boydton, Virginia. The cost to participate in the on-site training is fully covered—flights, hotel, transportation, and meals are included.
- November 6, 2026 | Virtual Training Ends
Participants are prepared for a new career in one of the world’s most critical industries.
- November 11, 2026 | Employment Interviews
Interviews for full-time employment roles for eligible participants.
Additional locations and dates to be determined (estimated January 2027 and May 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!