Heroes to Hard Hats: Gilbane Connects Veterans with Rewarding Construction Careers
Capitalizing on existing skill sets of veterans helps grow experience across new industries.
Cleveland, OH – December 20, 2024 – Gilbane Building Company honors and recognizes veterans’ skill sets and experience by participating in the Department of Defense SkillBridge program and hosting its own military Employee Resource Group (ERG), Military Advantage. With these programs, the construction leader creates a welcoming experience for veterans to expand on skills while adjusting to civilian life.
The SkillBridge program, a Department of Defense offering, allows military members to gain valuable civilian experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, and internships during their last 180 days of service. Gilbane participates in the program and regularly offers internships to military members in various construction management positions across the country, including project managers, supply chain managers, and estimators. In 2023 alone, Gilbane had 117 military members serve in an internship role.
Ryan Novotny, a 25-year veteran of the United States Air Force, found Gilbane during the tail end of his service through connections in the Department of Defense. With his skill set and experience, he found a fit in construction management. Now, Ryan serves as a senior project executive for Gilbane and connects with current military members on the opportunities they have outside of the military.
“While preparing to retire from the Air Force, I didn’t know what my next steps could be,” said Novotny. “Connecting with Gilbane and taking a position with them allowed me to leverage and grow my existing skills.”
Novotny is also a member of Military Advantage, Gilbane’s ERG for military-connected individuals. The ERG hosts a chapter in each region that the company operates in. Individuals in the ERG connect with fellow military-associated individuals, create relationships, support the community through volunteer activities and promote the importance of military service.
In the Cleveland chapter of Military Advantage, the group volunteers with Wreaths of Honor to lay hundreds of wreathes on the burial sites of military individuals. This simple act recognizes those who have passed on and expresses thanks for their dedicated service to the United States of America.
“As someone from a military family, Military Advantage created another family for me,” said Nick Fields, Cleveland Military Advantage leader and Gilbane project manager. “Spending time with my coworkers to create a positive impact in our community and build our relationships has shown me that Gilbane, from leadership down, cares about every individual and ensuring they are supported.”
Programs like SkillBridge and Military Advantage are key as the construction industry faces a current workforce gap of 500,000 workers according to Associated Builders and Contractors. By being a welcoming industry to the almost 200,000 service members transitioning to civilian life (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs), there remains an opportunity to close the existing gap with skilled, experienced individuals looking to grow in a new career.
Gilbane’s dedication to supporting veterans through the SkillBridge program and Military Advantage ERG is a testament to its commitment to inclusivity and workforce development. By bridging the gap between military and civilian careers, Gilbane continues to foster a People First culture with growth for all. With these opportunities, Gilbane not only helps veterans transition smoothly into civilian careers, but also enriches its team with highly skilled professionals.
To learn more about how Gilbane supports veteran’s career growth, visit: https://www.gilbaneco.com/careers/build-your-career/military-veterans/
About Gilbane Building Company
Gilbane Building Company is a global leader in construction management, delivering high-quality projects for clients across various markets. Gilbane provides a full slate of construction and facilities-related services – from preconstruction planning and integrated consulting capabilities to comprehensive construction management, general contracting, design-build, and facility management services. Founded in 1870, Gilbane is still a privately held, family-owned company. With more than 45 office locations worldwide, Gilbane brings world-class experience to local communities. Gilbane has been providing construction management services in Ohio since 1957. For more information, visit www.gilbaneco.com.