Reps. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., and Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., introduced the Veterans Energy Transition Act. The bi-partisan legislation aims to help connect transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses with careers in the electrical supply chain industry. If passed, the bill would give companies $10,000 for each veteran they hire and up to $500,000 to cover the cost of training, onboarding, relocating and helping hires obtain professional certifications.
Like most industries, trades are facing a significant skilled workforce gap. According to Forbes, five tradespersons are retiring per every two new hires. Combining this with the ever-growing bias of college degrees over vocational training has largely contributed to the labor shortage.
Gen Z has taken a keen interest in the trades as the industries allow for independence, flexibility and are relatively AI-proof. However, many leaders are hesitant to take on young hires because of the stigma of them being “lazy.” Leaders have also been hesitant to hire veterans and service members as they re-enter civilian life due to them being out of the workforce for a significant period of time.
It is expected that demand for energy will grow by nearly 50 percent by 2050. In order to meet this demand, there will need to be a substantial increase in qualified workers to meet the needs of trades workers. In particular, demand for electrician employment is projected to grow 6 percent annually through 2032, estimating a need of 73,500 job openings each year.
Fortunately, many of the skillsets that veterans and active duty service members relate to the needs of the electroindustry. According to a press release regarding the bill, military personnel are trained to operate complex systems and are adept to troubleshoot and improve equipment under demanding circumstances. If the bill passes, it would help bridge the gap by modifying existing authorities under the department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Services to administer a grant program that supports training, placement, upskilling, certification and related services. By intentionally matching military-acquired skills with employers in these individual sectors, the bill would advance workforce development and veterans’ economic opportunity.
Mackenna Moralez is the managing editor of the facilities market and the host of the Facilities in Focus podcast.
