2015 Vets Restore Program

Applications are now being accepted for the 2015 Vets Restore program, an intensive 12-week training, internship, and job networking program for post 9/11 veterans interested in building renovation. Vets Restore is the result of an innovative partnership between 4Culture, Historic Seattle, and the King County Veterans Program. The mission of Vets Restore is to connect veterans with the valuable work of revitalizing America’s historic buildings.

Once accepted into Vets Restore, veterans take a 4-week intensive class with hands-on training in basic carpentry skills. Training is followed by 8 weeks of paid employment under Lydig Construction. Both the training and internship take place at the historic Washington Hall in Seattle’s Central District, where an extensive renovation project is currently underway. The program is designed to provide ample networking and mentoring opportunities with preservation-focused construction firms.

Throughout the 12-week period, veterans also receive comprehensive support services, including case management, career counseling, and financial assistance to pay for tools, gear and transportation.

Interested veterans are eligible if they:

  • Reside in King County
  • Have served on active duty and received an honorable, medical, general, or under honorable conditions discharge
  • Have served in the National Guard or Reserves and met their initial service obligation

Priority will be given to post 9/11 veterans. Applicants should have a desire to work in the construction trades and an interest in working with old buildings.

2015 Program Calendar

  • July 6: Application period open at vetsrestore.org/program-overview
  • August 14: Deadline to apply. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm
  • August 18-20: Applicant interviews
  • September 14 – October 9: 4-week training program in basic preservation practices at Washington Hall covering safety, tools skill-building, hands on carpentry projects, mentoring sessions and field trips
  • October 12: December 4: 8-week, full-time paid internship
  • December 9: Graduation
  • December – January: Job search guidance

Veterans can find out if they are qualified by contacting Candice Corey, King County Veterans’ Program, at (206) 477-6989.

Photo by Kji Kelly