Carpenter
$55KHigh match
Stable demand
Live · Guide v1.0BU · Career GuideValidated · Lightcast Labor DataUpdated · Q2 20262026 Cohort Active
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NAVY · BUCareer Guide · Operations · VWC.CG.BU.R.04
BU · NAVY · Enlisted
Builder.
Navy BU (Builder). 960 hours of formal training translate to 5 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $48K–$98K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.
Training hours960DoD pipeline
ACE creditACEUp to 9 semester hours recommended in Construction Technology
Tech roles4mapped to your code
Civilian pathways5validated
Cert coverage4/6direct + partial
/ 01 · Tech Roles
Roles your code maps to.
Industry tech roles your BU background maps to — picked from BLS-anchored occupations using your training, cognitive skills, and systems experience.
Sort · Match descending
/ 02 · Skill Bridge
The gap, named.
What BU training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.
Already have05
- 01Resource Optimization→ Efficient resource allocation in cloud environments
- 02Procedural Compliance→ Adhering to security and operational standards
- 03Blueprint Reading→ Understanding system architectures
- 04Team Synchronization→ Collaborating with cross-functional tech teams
- 05Situational Awareness→ Identifying and mitigating risks in deployments
To learn07
The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not a generic checklist.
+Linux command line+Cloud computing basics (AWS, Azure, or GCP)+Scripting with Python or Bash+Networking fundamentals+Project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum)+Infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform, CloudFormation)+System analysis and design principles
How VWC fits
Vets Who Code is a free, full-time software engineering accelerator for veterans, active duty, and military spouses. We close the fundamentals — terminal, web platform, AI tooling, portfolio projects — so the rest of this list becomes specialization, not square one.
See VWC Programs →/ 03 · Civilian Pathways
Where your code lands.
Construction Manager
$98KGood match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
- — Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
- — OSHA 30-Hour Construction Training
Civil Engineering Technician
$62KGood match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
- — AutoCAD Certification
- — Civil 3D Software Proficiency
Concrete Finisher
$48KHigh match
Stable demand
Home Inspector
$60KModerate match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
- — Home Inspection Certification
- — Knowledge of local building codes
/ 04 · Hidden Strengths
What the code built.
Cognitive skills your BU training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.
Resource Optimization
BU's manage materials, tools, equipment, and manpower effectively to complete construction and repair projects within budget and timelines.
Transfers to
Effectively managing resources such as time, materials, and personnel to achieve project goals within constraints.
Procedural Compliance
BU's adhere to strict construction codes, safety regulations, and military standards when building or repairing structures.
Transfers to
Following established procedures, regulations, and standards to ensure quality, safety, and compliance in all work processes.
Team Synchronization
BU's coordinate and collaborate with various team members to ensure seamless execution of construction projects, sharing expertise and coordinating tasks effectively.
Transfers to
Working collaboratively with diverse team members to achieve common goals, coordinating tasks, and communicating effectively to ensure project success.
Situational Awareness
BU's constantly monitor their surroundings to identify potential hazards and safety risks on construction sites, ensuring a safe working environment.
Transfers to
Maintaining awareness of the surrounding environment to identify potential risks, hazards, and opportunities, enabling proactive decision-making and problem-solving.
/ 05 · Non-Obvious Matches
Roles the recruiter won't suggest.
Adjacent civilian roles your training maps to that conventional military-to-civilian advice tends to miss.
Construction Estimator
SOC 13-1051.00You've been working with materials and blueprints for years, so you understand the nuts and bolts of construction. As a Construction Estimator (13-1051), you'll use that knowledge to predict project costs, ensuring projects stay on budget. Your resource management skills will be invaluable.
Adjacent · MatchFacilities Manager
SOC 11-3012.00You've been maintaining and repairing structures, now put those skills to use overseeing the upkeep of entire facilities. As a Facilities Manager (11-3012), you will plan, direct, and coordinate essential services like maintenance, security, and space allocation. Your attention to detail and problem-solving abilities are a perfect fit.
Adjacent · MatchSafety Inspector
SOC 47-4071.00With your experience adhering to strict construction codes and safety regulations, you're well-prepared to ensure others do the same. As a Safety Inspector (47-4071), you'll inspect construction sites to identify and correct safety hazards, making sure everyone goes home safe. Your keen eye for detail and commitment to safety will make you a natural.
Adjacent · Match/ 06 · Training & Certs
What you trained on.
Academy
Builder 'A' School
Naval Construction Training Center, Gulfport, MS960hHours
24wkWeeks
ACECredit
Up to 9 semester hours recommended in Construction Technology
Topics · 8
- Concrete Mixing and Placement
- Masonry Construction
- Carpentry and Framing
- Blueprint Reading
- Construction Site Safety
- Introduction to Construction Equipment
- Welding Basics
- Rigging
Partial coverage · 3
- Certified Construction Manager (CCM)60%
Project management principles, contract administration, risk management, and cost control are areas requiring further study.
- Project Management Professional (PMP)40%
Requires significant study of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and formal project management methodologies. Focus on stakeholder management, scheduling, and budgeting.
- American Concrete Institute (ACI) Concrete Field Testing Technician - Grade I70%
Requires a strong understanding of ACI standards and procedures for concrete testing in the field. Focus on specific testing methods and documentation requirements.
Recommended next · 02
- LEED Green AssociateAdjacent
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)Adjacent
/ 07 · Systems Translation
What you ran, in their words.
Military systems you operated and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent | Domain |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete Mixers (Various Models) | Mobile and Stationary Concrete Mixers (e.g., Multiquip, Terex) | Operations |
| Total Station Surveying Equipment | GPS-guided Surveying Equipment (e.g., Trimble, Leica) | Operations |
| Pile Drivers (Various Hydraulic and Diesel Models) | Hydraulic Pile Driving Rigs (e.g., ICE, Delmag) | Operations |
| Formwork Systems (Steel and Wood) | Modular Formwork Systems (e.g., Doka, Peri) | Operations |
| Welding Equipment (SMAW, GMAW) | Industrial Welding Machines (e.g., Miller, Lincoln Electric) | Operations |
| Blueprints and Technical Drawings | CAD Software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) and BIM software | Operations |
| SCUBA Gear (for underwater concrete and structure repair) | Commercial Diving Equipment (e.g., Kirby Morgan helmets, specialized underwater tools) | Operations |
/ Translator · Live
Translate BU into a resume that ships.
Pair this guide with the VWC AI-powered translator: drop in your service record, get back ATS-optimized civilian resume language tuned to the tech roles above.