The construction industry is a major contributor to the U.S. economy, employing more than 7 million people and creating nearly $1.3 trillion worth of structures annually. An impressive portion of these employees have a military background—in fact, roughly 15.5% of all U.S. veterans will enter the construction industry at some point in their careers, according to PlanGrid’s Construction Productivity blog.

Veterans acquire valuable skills throughout their service that are easily transferable to post-military jobs, and employers in various industries can play prominent roles in helping bridge the gap between concluding military life and entering the workforce by providing job opportunities. One industry that continues to stand out among the rest in terms of hiring and supporting veterans is the contracting and construction industry, which currently employs more than half a million veterans.

Reprinted courtesy of Josh White, Construction Executive, a publication of Associated Builders and Contractors. All rights reserved.