Your Service Trained You.
The Trades Need You.
Military experience builds exactly the skills employers are looking for. KinTrades helps you make the connection.
You already have what employers want — discipline, hands-on skills, the ability to solve problems under pressure. The challenge is showing civilian employers how your military experience translates.
The skilled trades have a workforce shortage. Veterans have the skills to fill it.
KinTrades brings them together.
Your Training Translates
Military skills map directly to civilian trades. Here's an example:
Military-to-Trades Skills Mapping
Your MOS, rating, or AFSC gave you real skills. Here's how they translate to civilian trade careers.
Army
| MOS | Military Role | Civilian Trade |
|---|---|---|
| 12B | Combat Engineer | Heavy Equipment Operator, Construction Laborer |
| 12N | Horizontal Construction Engineer | Heavy Equipment Operator, Grading Specialist |
| 12W | Carpentry & Masonry Specialist | Carpenter, Mason |
| 12R | Interior Electrician | Electrician |
| 12P | Prime Power Production Specialist | Electrician, Power Plant Operator |
| 51C | Plumber / Pipefitter | Plumber, Pipefitter |
| 91B | Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic | Auto Technician, Diesel Mechanic |
| 91D | Power Generation Equipment Repairer | Generator Technician, Industrial Maintenance |
| 91J | Quartermaster & Chemical Equipment Repairer | HVAC Technician |
| 91L | Construction Equipment Repairer | Heavy Equipment Mechanic |
| 12H | Construction Engineering Supervisor | Construction Foreman, Project Superintendent |
Navy
| Rating | Military Role | Civilian Trade |
|---|---|---|
| CE | Construction Electrician (Seabee) | Electrician |
| UT | Utilitiesman (Seabee) | Plumber, HVAC Technician |
| SW | Steelworker (Seabee) | Welder, Ironworker, Structural Steel |
| BU | Builder (Seabee) | Carpenter, General Contractor |
| EO | Equipment Operator (Seabee) | Heavy Equipment Operator |
| CM | Construction Mechanic (Seabee) | Heavy Equipment Mechanic, Diesel Mechanic |
| EM | Electrician's Mate | Electrician, Industrial Electrician |
| HT | Hull Maintenance Technician | Welder, Plumber, Pipefitter |
| MM | Machinist's Mate | Industrial Maintenance, HVAC Technician |
| DC | Damage Controlman | Fire Protection, Pipefitter |
Air Force
| AFSC | Military Role | Civilian Trade |
|---|---|---|
| 3E0X1 | Electrical Systems | Electrician |
| 3E0X2 | Electrical Power Production | Power Plant Operator, Generator Technician |
| 3E1X1 | Heating, Ventilation, AC & Refrigeration | HVAC Technician |
| 3E2X1 | Pavement & Construction Equipment | Heavy Equipment Operator |
| 3E3X1 | Structural | Carpenter, General Construction |
| 3E4X1 | Water & Fuel Systems Maintenance | Plumber, Pipefitter |
| 2A6X1 | Aerospace Propulsion | Industrial Mechanic, Diesel Technician |
Marine Corps
| MOS | Military Role | Civilian Trade |
|---|---|---|
| 1141 | Electrician | Electrician |
| 1142 | Electrical Equipment Repair Specialist | Industrial Electrician |
| 1161 | Refrigeration & AC Technician | HVAC Technician |
| 1171 | Water Support Technician | Plumber |
| 1316 | Metal Worker | Welder, Sheet Metal Worker |
| 1341 | Engineer Equipment Mechanic | Heavy Equipment Mechanic |
| 1345 | Engineer Equipment Operator | Heavy Equipment Operator, Crane Operator |
| 1371 | Combat Engineer | Construction Laborer, General Contractor |
| 3521 | Automotive Mechanic | Auto Technician |
| 3524 | Diesel Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic |
Military service builds universal trade-ready skills: leadership, safety awareness, equipment maintenance, working under pressure, and getting the job done right. Create your profile and show employers what you can do.
How KinTrades Works for Veterans
Build Your Profile
Upload photos and videos of your work, list certifications and military training. Show what you can do.
Get Matched
Our matching algorithm connects you with jobs that fit your skill set and experience.
Connect Directly
Employers see your skills before anything else and contact you directly. No resume black hole.
Get Hired
You're not entry-level. Your military training counts. Land a career that values what you already know.
Benefits & Resources for Veterans
GI Bill for Trades Training
The GI Bill covers apprenticeships and on-the-job training in the skilled trades — not just college. Get a monthly housing allowance while you train.
Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E)
Service-connected disability? VR&E (Chapter 31) provides tools, training, and job placement support for trades careers.
Helmets to Hardhats
Connects transitioning service members with quality careers in the building and construction trades through registered apprenticeships.
WOTC Tax Credit for Employers
Employers who hire veterans may qualify for a Work Opportunity Tax Credit of up to $9,600 per hire — making you an even more attractive candidate.
Why the Trades Are a Strong Fit for Veterans
Hands-On Work
Not a desk job. You work with your hands and see results every day.
Clear Advancement
Apprentice, journeyman, master. Merit-based progression, like the military.
Team-Oriented
Job sites run on coordination, safety protocols, and accountability.
High Demand, Strong Pay
500K+ worker shortage nationwide. Your skills are needed now.
Ready to Put Your Skills to Work?
You served your country. Now build a career that uses what you learned.
Create your profile and let employers come to you.
Skills. Discipline. Opportunity.
The trades are ready for you.