Veteran workforce development: how veterans can make a positive impact on workforce development in the construction industry

Abstract

Hiring veterans is a valuable way through which the construction industry may overcome the workforce development challenges it faces. In spite of the several initiatives introduced by construction firms alongside the government and other stakeholders to take advantage of veteran talent, little research has been conducted to understand the impact of hiring veterans as workforce in the construction industry. Based on in-depth interviews with five veterans and one individual, all from the construction industry, this study sought to understand the positive impact hiring veterans can have on workforce development in the construction industry as well as the challenges associated with hiring veterans. According to the findings of the study, veterans possess unique skills and abilities that make them ideal for construction jobs: a strong work ethic, teamwork and leadership skills, organisation and the ability to develop action plans, resilience and problem solving skills, and cross-cultural competence.