Article provided by Helmets to Hardhats
At Helmets to Hardhats (H2H), we believe that because of our Veterans' dedicated service and sacrifices, we are responsible for assisting Veterans as they find rewarding second careers within Canada's Building Trades Unions. This mission drives Helmets to Hardhats, as we think about Veterans every day, all year long.
Helmets to Hardhats was founded in 2012 with a dual purpose: to support the military-affiliated community and to bolster Canada's unionized construction industry. By facilitating the transition of these individuals into meaningful careers within Canada's Building Trade Unions, we are not just providing jobs, but also a strategic solution to fill the gaps in the workforce with a highly skilled and disciplined demographic of military talent.
While BuildForce Canada estimates that the construction industry needs to recruit 299,200 new workers by 2032, Helmets to Hardhats understands the importance of promoting promising second careers to an untapped demographic of talent to support the unionized construction industry.
As we grow the workforce to keep pace with industry needs, many opportunities in the skilled trades require a trained, skilled and reliable workforce. By recognizing the unique and versatile skills Veterans possess – such as leadership, discipline, and technical proficiencies – our program supports the integration of the military community by offering career placements and emphasizing the value added by a Veteran in the skilled trades.
Through our partnership with Canada's 14 Building Trades Unions, we can open doors to a multitude of opportunities for our military-affiliated clients. This collaboration is not just about providing jobs, but about ensuring our clients receive the recognition they deserve with the highest industry wages, benefits, and pension plans.
The structured training and career development pathways, including apprenticeships and ongoing educational and skill upgrading, offered within the unionized construction industry, further enhance the value of this partnership. The support of Canada's Building Trades Unions and industry employers has not only eased the transition for our military clients to civilian life but also provided them with stability and a clear trajectory for career growth, fostering job satisfaction and long-term success.
For their service and sacrifices, let's continue to ensure our military community has access to rewarding career opportunities in Canada's unionized construction industry through Helmets to Hardhats.
