Ottawa launches new program to help veterans find jobs in construction industry

Helmets to Hardhats will help match veterans with opportunities in more than 60 trades

The federal government has launched a new website dedicated to helping veterans and men and women in uniform find jobs in the building and construction industry as they transition to civilian life.

“Canada’s veterans and service men and women are known around the world for their skills, qualities and expertise. These are the same skills needed by so many employers across the country and that is why this program is so important,” said Minister of Veterans Affairs Steven Blaney.

Helmets to Hardhats (www.helmetstohardhats.ca) is a web-based program that offers access to career postings. It will help connect veterans to with quality apprenticeships and well paid, rewarding career opportunities, he said.

“This new website will not only provide a wealth of information on the program, but will also serve as the means to match veterans and transitioning men and women in uniform with exciting opportunities for a new, civilian career in the building and construction trades industry,” said retired Brigadier-General Gregory Matte, executive director of Helmets to Hardhats Canada. “As a retired senior officer who enjoyed a wonderful career in the Canadian Forces, I see this as an opportunity for me to assist the dedicated men and women of the Canadian Forces in making a smooth transition into a new and rewarding career.”

Employees of Helmets to Hardhats are former men and women in uniform who can help veterans translate how their military skills and experience meet civilian job requirements. Assistance can also be provided to arrange apprenticeship training to achieve journeyperson certification in more than 60 trades in the building and construction industry.

Latest stories