From Navy Service to Skilled Trades
Randy Nichols, U.S. Navy veteran and NTI Instructor, turned his Veteran Education Benefits into a hands-on career at National Technical Institute in Las Vegas. He always preferred working with his hands and used those same skills to move from Navy maintenance to plumbing. “I’ve never been a desk person,” Randy said. “In the Navy I fixed equipment, and plumbing felt like the next step.”
After touring the campus, he enrolled the very next day. Training proved more interactive than expected. “Every lesson was hands-on,” he said. “We learned by doing, not just reading.” When he graduated, the school asked him to return as an instructor. Now he teaches the next wave of plumbers, including fellow veterans who want a real-world career.
Why Trades Fit Veterans
Military training builds discipline and quick thinking—exactly what the trades demand. “In the service you adapt fast and solve problems,” Randy said. “That’s plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work every single day.”
He rejects the idea that trade jobs are fallback plans. “This is a first-choice career,” he said. “You can earn good money, stay busy, and take pride in what you build.” Employers agree. They look for dependable workers who finish the job and move to the next mission, traits veterans already have.
Kodi Wilson on Veterans’ Success
Kodi Wilson, Campus Director at National Technical Institute, sees more veterans enrolling each year. “NTI is approved by Veterans Affairs,” he said. “Many veterans don’t know their benefits cover trade school until they ask. Once they do, they realize how much opportunity is waiting.”
Electrical, HVAC, and plumbing lead enrollment numbers. “These programs match veterans’ strengths—critical thinking, teamwork, and focus,” she said. NTI guides each student from enrollment through job placement. “We handle the paperwork, help them find work, and stay with them until they succeed.”
Future-Proof Careers
Hands-on trades resist automation. “Plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work can’t be outsourced,” Kodi said. “They’re high-value skills every community needs.”
Entry-level graduates begin at $15 to $20 an hour, then advance to $50,000 to $80,000 annually as their skills grow. “These careers bring stability and opportunity,” she said. “Veterans transition quickly from training to full-time work.”
Real Results
Randy’s story proves what’s possible. He trained, earned certification, and returned to teach. “It feels good giving back,” he said. “I get to help other veterans find their next mission.”
Kodi has seen similar success from many graduates. Some now own service companies or manage teams. “They leave here confident and independent,” he said.
Straightforward Advice
Randy tells every veteran to visit the campus. “Call NTI and set up a tour,” he said. “Walk through the classrooms and talk to the instructors. You might discover something you love.”
Kodi agrees. “Seeing the equipment, meeting the staff, and understanding how fast you can start working changes everything,” she said. “The trades offer freedom, income, and purpose.”
Building Strong Careers at National Technical Institute
Training at National Technical Institute gives veterans real-world skills that stay in demand. Plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work offer steady pay, job security, and pride in a job done right.
Tours and enrollment details are available at ntitraining.com. Veterans ready for their next challenge will find the tools, guidance, and community they need to succeed.
Special thanks to Mindy Eras at @gycvegas for arranging these interviews.
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