Case Study

Heroes MAKE America

Heroes MAKE America (HMA) is a program run by The Manufacturing Institute (part of the National Association of Manufacturers). It targets the military-connected community—transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses—with the goal of helping them move into manufacturing careers.

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Background

Heroes MAKE America (HMA) is a program run by The Manufacturing Institute (part of the National Association of Manufacturers). It targets the military-connected community—transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses—with the goal of helping them move into manufacturing careers.

Intervention

HMA offers integrated certification and career-readiness training in collaboration with local community colleges. The training includes both technical manufacturing credentials and preparation for civilian job processes (resume writing, interviewing, translating military skills into civilian equivalents).

Part of the program also involves issuing digital badges or credentials that allow veterans or service members to articulate their military-acquired skills in ways employers recognize. In some cases, HMA has expanded into specific sector-focused training, such as an aviation “Airframe & Powerplant (A&P)” prep course in Wichita, Kansas.

Outcomes / Impacts:

  • Since its launch in 2018, HMA has assisted over 42,000 military community members seeking civilian manufacturing careers.
  • The program has a high graduate placement rate: about 90% of graduates find placement in roles after completing the training.
  • It has helped improve employer access to a more visible, better-qualified veteran talent pool, via better translation of skills and credentials. Granting of digital credentials / badges has helped with transparency and rates of hiring.

Lessons Learned:

  • Translating military experience into civilian-understandable credentials/digital badges helps reduce friction in hiring.
  • Partnership with community colleges is vital: it enables localized delivery of training and ensures credentials are recognized locally.
  • Sector expansions (e.g. aviation maintenance) show how the model can be adapted to meet specific employer demands.
  • Supporting services beyond training—such as resume help, interview prep, etc.—strengthen outcomes.
  • Employer engagement (through events, virtual job fairs, facility tours, etc.) helps connect graduates with real opportunities.

For more information

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