When transitioning Army veteran Andrew Cordova graduated from the Washington Home Builders Foundation (WHBF) Construction Trades Training Academy (CTTA) late last month, he already had an offer from a local homebuilder, ready to take advantage of his new skills.

It’s a win-win for transitioning veterans and for BIAW’s member companies.

Feeding an interest in homebuilding

As he prepared to exit the Army after a successful 20-career, Cordova discovered the CTTA while browsing flyers at JBLM’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP) office. He was initially interested in becoming a Park Ranger, but he stumbled upon the new BIAW WHBF training program and found a perfect fit.  

While other union Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) programs exist, Cordova opted for the CTTA PACT program due to his passion for residential remodeling and finish work—skills he developed while helping build walls and decks during military deployments.

Building a solid foundation

Joining the Army directly after high school provided Andrew with job security and vital life experiences.  

He credits the military for shaping his strong work ethic and resilience.  

“The Army made me who I am today,” he said. “I wouldn't have met my amazing wife Mary or had my two boys, Luke and Bane.  

“I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished during my service,” he said. “The most valuable skill I’ve developed is a strong work ethic. I take pride in giving my best every day, and I don’t shy away from failure—I learn from it and come back better.”

Honoring cherished memories

Reflecting on his cherished memories helping his grandfather refurbish furniture and weld trailers, Andrew was drawn to the construction trades to honor these experiences and continue creating projects that make his family proud.

“I loved helping him in his shop,” he said. “I’ve always had a knack for working with tools and have done some small projects around the house. Even if I don’t become a professional carpenter, I figured I could at least do more projects at home—especially for my wife, since I love doing things that make her happy.”

Now that he’s graduated from the trades academy, he plans to join a residential builder where he can sharpen his skills and eventually pursue his dream of crafting specialty pieces in his own home workshop.  

When asked about the most valuable lesson from the CTTA, Cordova emphasized the importance of making a blueprint—even a simple sketch—to catch details that people might otherwise overlook.  

He enthusiastically recommends the program to fellow transitioning veterans, highlighting how it provides a structured pathway into civilian careers and helps individuals discover their passions.

Highly recommended

“I would recommend this program to anyone who’s unsure about their next step after the Army,” he said. “You don’t have to stay in construction, but this gives you a place to start. Sometimes taking that first step is all you need to build momentum and figure out what you’re really passionate about.”

Now firmly planting roots in Pierce County, Cordova looks forward to a future filled with meaningful work, family adventures, and perhaps even summiting Mount Rainier.

About the Construction Trades Training Academy

The Construction Trades Training Academy officially launched its first cohort of classes earlier this year in downtown Tacoma providing post-secondary students and transitioning adults from across the greater Puget Sound access to industry-driven training at no cost.

Designed and funded by the Washington Home Builders Foundation (WHBF) in partnership with BIAW and the Home Builders Institute (HBI), the academy provides participants with essential skills and places them directly into jobs where employers need them most.

The BIAW Washington Home Builders Foundation partnered with Master Builders Pierce's BOLT: Building Opportunities for Learning the Trades, the City of Tacoma, the Home Builders Institute, and Goodwill Olympics & Rainier Region to bring the CTTA to life. Major funders include:

• City of Tacoma

• Timberland Bank

• The Milgard Family

• The Norcliffe Foundation

• The Woodworth Family Foundation

• BECU

The CTTA has helped 14 people successfully complete both the OSHA 10 and Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training (PACT) Core certification. The academy will provide another nine PACT Carpentry certificates in late March.

The next cohort of 29 enrolled students starts on April 14. Interested students can complete an inquiry form for more information.