Military veterans answer new call to service in Arizona's booming trades industry

Military Veterans Answer New Call to Service in Arizona's Booming Trades Industry

At the National Technical Institute (NTI) in Phoenix, veterans are channeling their discipline, teamwork, and GI Bill benefits into building new careers in the trades. For many, leaving active duty and adapting to civilian life can be a major challenge, but NTI helps them turn their military experience into a foundation for success.

From Service to Skilled Trades

Barbara Barney, who served 11 years in the Army as a networking specialist, faced a difficult readjustment after being medically discharged.

“I was a bit lost for a while,”

Barney recalled, describing how a friend’s advice to explore trade work helped her find renewed purpose. She discovered that the structure and fast-paced problem-solving she developed in the military matched well with careers in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work.

“We thrive in structure, but we excel in chaos,”

she explained, noting how military-honed adaptability supports her new profession.

Building Community Through Camaraderie

NTI’s programs emphasize teamwork among veterans, creating a sense of belonging reminiscent of their service days.

“We try and talk about our plans afterwards. A lot of us want to go into new construction or be foremen,”

Barney said, highlighting the mutual encouragement that drives many of her peers. Over half of the current HVAC training group are veterans, strengthening the institute’s collaborative atmosphere.

“It’s really like being in a platoon again,”

she added. Now both a student and lab assistant, Barney also mentors incoming veterans, helping them find confidence and purpose in a civilian career path.

Author’s Summary

Veterans in Arizona’s NTI are redefining service by applying their military discipline and teamwork to thrive in the fast-growing trades industry.

ABC15 Arizona — 2025-11-07