WORKSHOPS FOR WARRIORS INC

Rebuilding American Manufacturing while simultaneously training transitioning veterans for new careers, Workshops for Warriors (WFW) is expanding to train 600 veterans by 2026.

Founded in 2008, Workshops for Warriors is a nonprofit school committed to helping the US military members successfully transition into civilian life. Headquartered in San Diego, California, the organization's Advanced Manufacturing Training for Young Veterans provides advanced manufacturing education and job placement assistance to transitioning military, low-income veterans, and wounded warriors. Since inception, 1,334 veterans have graduated into high paying, in-demand jobs in the advanced manufacturing industry in California and across the United States.

There are many other peer organizations providing basic needs or human services to veterans. Most of these organizations are responding to the widespread problems (poverty, homelessness, mental illness, substance use) that occur due to the lack of training, services and support needed from transitioning military as they return to civilian life.

Rather than reacting to the problem like many of its peers, Workshops for Warriors is preventing the downward spiral that can occur as veterans transition from service. In less than four months, the skills and certifications earned in Workshops for Warriors training helps veterans secure high-paying jobs that improves their economic outlook and restores or sustains their hope and sense of purpose.

Workshops for Warriors program is unique for its ability to completely eliminate poverty among low income veterans and prevent future veterans from needing services.

Workshops for Warriors’ Advanced Manufacturing Training for Young Veterans provides accredited advanced manufacturing education, job placement and mentoring to transitioning military, low income veterans and wounded warriors. The training is accelerated and, what would normally take years of schooling, is compressed into 16-week training sessions.

The program offers beginning, advanced, and apprenticeship level coursework in four areas including computer aided manufacturing, computer aided design, CNC machining and turning and welding and fabrication. Training is offered on a three semester schedule with classes held at Workshops for Warriors state-of-the-art facility.

Advanced manufacturing experts, who are also veterans, provide expert level instruction and hands-on training that culminates in industry recognized credentials from the American Welding Society, National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Mastercam, and SolidWorks. The program provides students with employment education, job placement assistance and mentoring opportunities to support their transition from service and entry into employment in the advanced manufacturing industry.

The Advanced Manufacturing Training for Young Veterans has achieved strong outcomes through its culture of collaboration and camaraderie combined with services tailored to address the needs of transitioning military and veterans. Since 2008, 1,334 veterans, transitioning service members, and wounded warriors have graduated and the program maintains a graduation rate of 94%. Graduates use their skills in a variety of employment settings, from mom and pop machine shops to Fortune 500 companies, and are securing well-paying jobs with an average starting salary of $60,000.