Keynote Speaker at the Home Builders Institute Graduation at Fort Stewart

It was an incredible honor to serve as the keynote speaker for the most recent graduating class of the Home Builders Institute (HBI) at Fort Stewart.

As a former Army Transition Counselor, I know firsthand how challenging the shift from military to civilian life can be. For many service members, the most pressing question as they approach their separation date is simply, “What comes next?” Programs like the HBI answer that question directly, providing a tangible, high-demand career path before these soldiers even take off the uniform for the final time.

What is the Home Builders Institute (HBI) Program?

The HBI operates at Fort Stewart as part of the DoD SkillBridge program. It offers a rigorous, 12-week, cost-free training course for transitioning service members during their final 180 days of active duty.

The program focuses strictly on hands-on, highly sought-after building and construction trades, specifically carpentry and electrical work. Graduates don’t just leave with experience; they walk away with industry-recognized credentials, including:

• Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT)
• OSHA-10, OSHA-20, and OSHA-30 Certifications

Building Georgia’s Future

When we talk about growing our local economy in Southeast Georgia, we have to talk about workforce development. Georgia is growing rapidly, and the demand for skilled labor in construction, electrical work, and infrastructure development is skyrocketing.

By taking highly disciplined, leadership-tested service members and equipping them with these essential trade skills, HBI is creating a pipeline of elite talent for our local businesses. It ensures that the men and women who have defended our country are now the ones physically building its future—and doing so right here in our communities.

To the graduates: Congratulations on this massive achievement. You have served your country with distinction, and you are now armed with the skills to build a thriving civilian career.

If you are a transitioning service member at Fort Stewart or Hunter Army Airfield and want to learn more about this incredible opportunity, reach out to your local Career Skills Program (CSP) administrator or visit the base Education Center.