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Live · Guide v1.0BU · Career GuideValidated · Lightcast Labor DataUpdated · Q2 20262027 Cohort · Applications Open
NAVY · BUCareer Guide · Operations · VWC.CG.BU.R.04
BU · NAVY · Enlisted

Builder.

Navy BU (Builder). 960 hours of formal training translate to 5 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $48K–$98K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.

Training hours960DoD pipeline
ACE creditACEUp to 9 semester hours recommended in Construction Technology (estimated)
Tech roles4mapped to your code
Civilian pathways5validated
Cert coverage4/6direct + partial

This career guide was generated using AI analysis of military job code data. Salary figures, certification coverage percentages, and career matches are estimates — verify with official sources before making career decisions.

/ 01 · Tech Roles

Roles your code maps to.

SOURCE · BLS + LIGHTCAST ROLES · 4

Industry tech roles your BU background maps to — picked from BLS-anchored occupations using your training, cognitive skills, and systems experience.

Sort · Match descending
/ 02 · Skill Bridge

The gap, named.

What BU training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.

Already have05
  • 01
    Resource Optimization→ Efficient resource allocation in cloud environments
  • 02
    Procedural Compliance→ Adhering to security and operational standards
  • 03
    Blueprint Reading→ Understanding system architectures
  • 04
    Team Synchronization→ Collaborating with cross-functional tech teams
  • 05
    Situational Awareness→ Identifying and mitigating risks in deployments
To learn07

The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not a generic checklist.

+Linux command line+Cloud computing basics (AWS, Azure, or GCP)+Scripting with Python or Bash+Networking fundamentals+Project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum)+Infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform, CloudFormation)+System analysis and design principles
How VWC fits

Vets Who Code is a free, remote-first software engineering accelerator for veterans, active duty, and military spouses. We close the fundamentals — terminal, web platform, AI tooling, portfolio projects — so the rest of this list becomes specialization, not square one.

See VWC Programs →
/ 03 · Civilian Pathways

Where your code lands.

SOURCE · LIGHTCAST + CURATED PATHWAYS · 5
P.01

Carpenter

$55K
High match
Stable demand
P.02

Construction Manager

$98K
Good match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
  • — Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
  • — OSHA 30-Hour Construction Training
P.03

Civil Engineering Technician

$62K
Good match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
  • — AutoCAD Certification
  • — Civil 3D Software Proficiency
P.04

Concrete Finisher

$48K
High match
Stable demand
P.05

Home Inspector

$60K
Moderate match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
  • — Home Inspection Certification
  • — Knowledge of local building codes
/ 04 · Hidden Strengths

What the code built.

Cognitive skills your BU training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.

S.01

Resource Optimization

BU's manage materials, tools, equipment, and manpower effectively to complete construction and repair projects within budget and timelines.

Transfers to

Effectively managing resources such as time, materials, and personnel to achieve project goals within constraints.

S.02

Procedural Compliance

BU's adhere to strict construction codes, safety regulations, and military standards when building or repairing structures.

Transfers to

Following established procedures, regulations, and standards to ensure quality, safety, and compliance in all work processes.

S.03

Team Synchronization

BU's coordinate and collaborate with various team members to ensure seamless execution of construction projects, sharing expertise and coordinating tasks effectively.

Transfers to

Working collaboratively with diverse team members to achieve common goals, coordinating tasks, and communicating effectively to ensure project success.

S.04

Situational Awareness

BU's constantly monitor their surroundings to identify potential hazards and safety risks on construction sites, ensuring a safe working environment.

Transfers to

Maintaining awareness of the surrounding environment to identify potential risks, hazards, and opportunities, enabling proactive decision-making and problem-solving.

/ 05 · Non-Obvious Matches

Roles the recruiter won't suggest.

Adjacent civilian roles your training maps to that conventional military-to-civilian advice tends to miss.

Construction Estimator

SOC 13-1051.00

You've been working with materials and blueprints for years, so you understand the nuts and bolts of construction. As a Construction Estimator (13-1051), you'll use that knowledge to predict project costs, ensuring projects stay on budget. Your resource management skills will be invaluable.

Adjacent · Match

Facilities Manager

SOC 11-3012.00

You've been maintaining and repairing structures, now put those skills to use overseeing the upkeep of entire facilities. As a Facilities Manager (11-3012), you will plan, direct, and coordinate essential services like maintenance, security, and space allocation. Your attention to detail and problem-solving abilities are a perfect fit.

Adjacent · Match

Safety Inspector

SOC 47-4071.00

With your experience adhering to strict construction codes and safety regulations, you're well-prepared to ensure others do the same. As a Safety Inspector (47-4071), you'll inspect construction sites to identify and correct safety hazards, making sure everyone goes home safe. Your keen eye for detail and commitment to safety will make you a natural.

Adjacent · Match
/ 06 · Training & Certs

What you trained on.

SOURCE · DOD + ACE\nVALIDATED
Academy

Builder 'A' School

Naval Construction Training Center, Gulfport, MS
960hHours
24wkWeeks
ACECredit

Up to 9 semester hours recommended in Construction Technology (estimated)

Topics · 8
  • Concrete Mixing and Placement
  • Masonry Construction
  • Carpentry and Framing
  • Blueprint Reading
  • Construction Site Safety
  • Introduction to Construction Equipment
  • Welding Basics
  • Rigging
Partial coverage · 3
  • Certified Construction Manager (CCM)60%

    Project management principles, contract administration, risk management, and cost control are areas requiring further study.

  • Project Management Professional (PMP)40%

    Requires significant study of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and formal project management methodologies. Focus on stakeholder management, scheduling, and budgeting.

  • American Concrete Institute (ACI) Concrete Field Testing Technician - Grade I70%

    Requires a strong understanding of ACI standards and procedures for concrete testing in the field. Focus on specific testing methods and documentation requirements.

Recommended next · 02
  • LEED Green AssociateAdjacent
  • Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)Adjacent
/ 07 · Systems Translation

What you ran, in their words.

Military systems you operated and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian EquivalentDomain
Concrete Mixers (Various Models)Mobile and Stationary Concrete Mixers (e.g., Multiquip, Terex)Operations
Total Station Surveying EquipmentGPS-guided Surveying Equipment (e.g., Trimble, Leica)Operations
Pile Drivers (Various Hydraulic and Diesel Models)Hydraulic Pile Driving Rigs (e.g., ICE, Delmag)Operations
Formwork Systems (Steel and Wood)Modular Formwork Systems (e.g., Doka, Peri)Operations
Welding Equipment (SMAW, GMAW)Industrial Welding Machines (e.g., Miller, Lincoln Electric)Operations
Blueprints and Technical DrawingsCAD Software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) and BIM softwareOperations
SCUBA Gear (for underwater concrete and structure repair)Commercial Diving Equipment (e.g., Kirby Morgan helmets, specialized underwater tools)Operations
Cohort 2027 · Intake Open

Ship BU into a software engineering career.

The pathways above are the destination. Vets Who Code is the route: a free, remote-first software engineering accelerator for active duty, veterans, and military spouses. 17 weeks at 20–30 hours a week, and a body of work that ships.

Career guide data last generated: February 22, 2026