October 1, 2012

Helmets to Hardhats website launched

The Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) Canada website, linking veterans with jobs in the building and construction industry, has officially launched.

“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 veterans affairs minister Steven Blaney at the Sept. 18 launch of the website.

Helmets to Hardhats Canada is a web-based program that offers access to career postings to individuals, who have served, or are currently serving in the Canadian Forces, including disabled veterans, reservists and members transitioning from active duty.

The website matches transitioning veterans with their desired trade and location.

This leads to a meeting and assessment to determine what entry level that person can begin his or her trade in.

The website will also allow employers to directly target potential job seekers.

Executive director Retired Brigadier-General Gregory Matte has said that of the more than 85 trades in the Canadian military, at least 12 to 15 trades are directly compatible with building trades.

The program offers apprenticeship opportunities to achieve a journeyperson qualification in more than 60 building and construction trades, as well as potential opportunities in other management positions.

The H2H Canada sister program began in the United States in 2003 and has been highly successful there.

Joe Maloney was a founder of the U.S. program and lobbied the federal government to bring it to Canada. He will chair the H2H Canada board of directors.

H2H works closely with the Canadian Forces and Veterans Affairs Canada to assist interested individuals in making the transition into this new career opportunity. H2H will work closely with the Personnel Selection network to provide information on the program, including through the Secondary Career Assistance Network (SCAN) seminars.

H2H has been fundraising since its January launch and has received $150,000 from the governments of Canada, Ontario and Alberta plus an additional $3 million from trade union and corporate donations.

JOC NEWS SERVICE

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