Supporting Our Veterans: Pathways from Service to Forest Products Careers

Published
by Lindsay Warness | FRA Western Region Manager

At FRA, we proudly continue to honor the brave men and women who have served our country following Monday’s Veterans Day observance. While we reflect on their sacrifices and achievements, we also recognize the tremendous value that Veterans and Reservists bring to the workforce. Their unique skill sets, character, and experience make them exceptional candidates.

Recently, I had the honor of attending my cousin’s graduation ceremony from the Marine Corps Bootcamp. More than five hundred young men and women overcame the rigorous challenges of Bootcamp, pushing themselves to meet and exceed the high standards set by the Marine Corps. I hadn’t fully understood the transformative impact of becoming a marine until I saw my cousin’s sense of pride and accomplishment firsthand. This experience made me reflect on my gratitude for those who choose to serve and sacrifice for our country. It also reminded me of the many opportunities the forest industry offers to veterans as they transition back into civilian life.

Our industry stands out as a great career option for veterans. Studies have shown that employees in the forest industry report high levels of happiness and low levels of stress—a rarity in today’s job market. Our industry also offers a broad range of positions across diverse skill sets. Over the years, the Forest Resources Association (FRA) has developed resources to help members hire, recruit, and support military veterans as they transition into meaningful careers in forest products.

Here are two key programs that support veterans entering the civilian workforce, providing opportunities to partner with our industry:

DOD SkillBridge Program

Applications open October 1 – December 1

The SkillBridge Program is designed for service members in their final 180 days of duty, allowing them to work in civilian roles and apply their skills to new careers. This program connects veterans with trusted industry partners, bridging the gap between military service and meaningful employment.

To participate in SkillBridge, partner organizations must:

  • have clearly defined job training and career development programs designed to enhance opportunities for returning service members. These programs should enable service members to gain the necessary employment skills, knowledge, and abilities to hit the ground running as they look for civilian employment.
  • ensure a high probability of a job being available to the participating service members at the end of your organization’s SkillBridge program.
  • provide evidence that your industry is in demand and has opportunities for professional advancement beyond initial employment.

Interested organizations must complete the DOD SkillBridge application to apply as a partner.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)

Available until December 31, 2025

The WOTC is a federal tax credit for employers who hire individuals facing employment barriers, including veterans. To qualify, employers must hire individuals from a WOTC target group and complete a pre-screening notice (Form 8850) with the job applicant. The form must include key dates in the hiring process and be submitted to the State Workforce Agency (SWA) within 28 days of the applicant’s start date.

A “qualified veteran” is a veteran who is any of the following:

  • A member of a family receiving assistance under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (food stamps) for at least a 3-month period during the 15-month period ending on the hiring date
  • Unemployed for periods of time totaling at least 4 weeks (whether or not consecutive) but less than 6 months in the 1-year period ending on the hiring date
  • Unemployed for periods of time totaling at least 6 months (whether or not consecutive) in the 1-year period ending on the hiring date
  • Entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability and hired not more than 1 year after being discharged or released from active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or
  • Entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability and unemployed for periods of time totaling at least 6 months (whether or not consecutive) in the 1-year period ending on the hiring date

See IRS Notice 2012-13 for more detailed information.

Many veterans leave military service seeking stable, meaningful careers. The wood products industry is well-positioned to offer these veterans rewarding roles as they reenter civilian life. Programs like SkillBridge and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit provide valuable pathways for veterans to join our industry and help us build a skilled and dedicated workforce.

Additional Veteran Hiring Resources:

Author

Lindsay Warness | FRA Western Region Manager