Construction Inclusion Week 2025: Toolbox Talk 9

Construction Careers for Veterans

Our industry offers a strong career path for military veterans.

This conversation shows how teams can help veterans transition successfully by highlighting the value of military experience and promoting veteran hiring initiatives.


Understanding how military experience aligns with jobsite culture and leadership roles is a key part of the discussion. It also helps teams recognize common challenges veterans face when reentering civilian life. The goal is to use welcoming and supportive practices, as well as to identify ways to assist veterans through onboarding and mentorship. Ultimately, it’s about building an inclusive environment on every project that values their service and skills.

PILLAR ALIGNMENT: Attract & Retain, Belonging & Workforce Culture

Sample Activity Options

JOBSITE ACTIVITY

Ask a veteran crew member to share one lesson from service that helps them on the job.

OFFICE ACTIVITY

Partner with a local Veteran Service Organization (VSO) or Helmets to Hardhats or other veteran employment programs to explore partnership opportunities.

School/Community Activity

Offer jobsite tours or internships for National Guard or reserve members.

Group Activity

In pairs, ask: What do veterans bring that we need more of on our teams?

Discussion Questions

A veteran’s service is a strong foundation for a career in construction. We’ll highlight the unique skills, discipline, and leadership that veterans bring to the jobsite. We’ll talk about how we can build a better onboarding process and a more supportive crew culture for them. Our goal is to reinforce that every veteran on our team has valuable experience and a voice we need to hear, so we can all build stronger together.

  • What makes construction a good fit for people coming from the military?
  • What parts of our onboarding or culture could be improved for veterans?
  • How can your company or team improve how it supports veterans?
  • What’s one step we can take to make veterans feel respected, not just welcomed??
  • How can we elevate the voices of veterans already on our teams?

Start planning your Toolbox Talk Activities now! Download this Toolbox Talk below or download the full set:

Download Toolbox Talk 9 Download All Toolbox Talks

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Opening Doors through Mentorship

Mentor your crew to build a stronger team

Sparking Early Interest in the Construction Industry

Build a talent pipeline by inspiring the next generation

Respect and Inclusion on the Jobsite/ Workplace

Create a respectful crew for a safer jobsite

Career Re-entry

Build your workforce by giving second chances

Building an Inclusive Site Culture

Reinforce an inclusive crew with everyday actions

Mental Health in Construction

Promote mental well-being to build a safer jobsite

Psychological Safety in Construction

Constructing a Culture of Trust and Safety

Pivot & Build – Life After Athletics

Harness athletic talent to strengthen your crew

Construction Careers for Veterans

Framing Opportunities for Veterans in Construction

Supporting People with Different Abilities and Neurodivergent Thinking Styles

Different minds, same mission: a stronger crew

Small Actions, Big Impact

Small actions build a stronger jobsite culture.

Bridging Generations: Respecting Differences, Building Together

Uniting Crews Through Generational Understanding

Economic Opportunity - Broadening Opportunity for Qualified Suppliers

Expanding Possibilities Through a Broad Supplier Network
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