INSIGHTS

Does Military Training Help Skilled Labor Employees?

Does Military Training Help Skilled Labor Employees

With the continued skilled labor shortage, companies are actively recruiting military veterans to fill the gap. When it comes to finding disciplined, organized, and detail-oriented workers, military training can equip veterans with a competitive advantage that mainstream workers may not have. Characterized as being rooted in providing structure and camaraderie, the military system is designed to produce soldiers that are both capable of following specific instructions and performing at their best, no matter the circumstances. Though construction work does not require the same level of life-or-death urgency as military training for combat soldiers, that high level of attention to detail and focus on executing instructions according to plan can be beneficial for the skilled labor force. Here are the top three reasons why military training helps train skilled labor employees.

Structure. From having highly-regulated daily schedules to the hierarchy of superiority rankings, military veterans are accustomed to having a standard structure in place to follow. Though this sense of “redundancy” may not work well for other industries that have a more dynamic nature, the skilled labor force tends to perform repetitive tasks that fit within a standard work structure. In this sense, being used to consistent structure can effectively enable military veterans to seamlessly transition from their military position to the construction industry.

Accuracy. On the battlefield or even as part of critical support staff, adhering specifically to directions is key in all military training. Small deviations from logistical or execution plans could have life or death consequences for battalions. Therefore, this focus on performing work accurately and efficiently is something that will be a must-have skill in both the military and skilled-labor fields. When workers are trained to quickly spot inconsistencies and ensure all plans are fulfilled, the quality of the work produced is both higher and done without costly mistakes.

Fast-thinking. Many military training exercises require recruits and soldiers to think on their feet to achieve a goal given limited resources and/or constraining time limits. With this type of training whether in a combat setting or as part of a larger military operation, the ability to improvise and problem solve with limited information is a hard-to-teach skill. In construction, having the foresight to creatively brainstorm ways to complete projects as obstacles arise is a much-needed skill, especially among the skilled labor force. By leveraging the strategic thinking that military training instills in soldiers and helping them translate this way of viewing problems to everyday construction tasks, this can enhance how skilled laborers work and how they complete projects, despite facing challenges.

Are you looking for skilled workers for your next construction project? The experienced and award-winning contractors and construction management professionals at the Beam Team are here to help! Feel free to contact us today for a free construction project consultation at 844-232-6832.