Trading Helmets for Hardhats, Veterans Find Construction Jobs Despite Economy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — While the nation pauses this Memorial Day to remember its fallen soldiers, at least one group remains on active duty to help our veterans find work during these tough economic times. High unemployment rates have made it harder for recently discharged servicemen and women to transition into civilian careers. And with homebuilding down, the construction industry would seem to offer slim opportunities for our returning heroes. Yet despite these challenges, Helmets to Hardhats has been able to launch nearly 2,000 veterans into careers in the building and construction trades last year alone.

Helmets to Hardhats is a program that connects former military personnel, Reserves and National Guard with quality career opportunities in the US construction industry. Administered by the Center for Military Recruitment, Assessment and Veterans Employment, a non-profit labor-management organization, Helmets to Hardhats deploys 13 Regional Directors strategically placed around the country to work with military veterans, trade organizations and construction industry employers.

Veterans are urged to register with the program online at www.helmetstohardhats.org, where they can find detailed information about more than 80 different apprenticeable crafts and how to contact their area’s Regional Director.

The program is working. Helmets to Hardhats helped place 1,739 veterans in construction industry careers last year, 79 of which were Wounded Warriors. The majority of these placements utilized federally-approved joint apprenticeship training programs, which are collaborations between construction industry employers and trade unions to offer entry-level employees a combination of classroom instruction and paid on-the-job training as they learn their craft.

The building trades and their employers spent more than $8 million last year on training programs for apprentices and journeypersons. Such a substantial investment translates into considerable savings for taxpayers by reducing the need for government subsidies in support of unemployed or underemployed veterans who utilize the Helmets to Hardhats program.

In addition to the training they receive, veterans who participate in federally-approved joint apprenticeship programs receive an hourly wage and can collect their Montgomery GI Bill entitlements to help supplement their income. The apprentice’s on-the-job-training hourly wage increases over the course of their apprenticeship until they graduate from the program as a full-fledged journeyperson with the professional skills he or she needs to secure a long, successful career.

“Although times are tough, with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in effect, construction jobs will be mounting,” says Mark Ayers, the President of the Building and Construction Trades Department. “Skilled craftsmen are needed, and veterans have many qualities that employers are looking for: dedication, maturity, and discipline.” His comments are echoed by Jason Ketterman, one of Helmets to Hardhats’ success stories. Jason transitioned from the U.S. Army into the Ironworkers’ apprenticeship program for Local 207 in Boardman, Ohio, via Helmets to Hardhats. Jason says he feels a sense of brotherhood and camaraderie with his fellow veterans who are now his co-workers as well. “America is growing each day and we are helping to build her future. By joining a skilled trade, I have a true sense of fellowship, just like in the military, and I feel proud each day as I go to work. Helmets to Hardhats and the Ironworkers’ union have really fulfilled my wish list for my new career. I love the challenges that the work presents and I feel tremendous relief knowing that I can support my family in the way I want to, while still having time to be with them.”

This Memorial Day, please remember that many of our brave military servicemembers are returning home to a shrinking work force and challenging economic conditions. In response, we encourage all Americans to support Veteran Service Organizations, like Helmets to Hardhats, to help keep open the doors to job satisfaction, economic security and the American Dream for our returning sons and daughters.

For information: http://www.helmetstohardhats.org or

Contact: Tad Kicielinski, Manager of Communications

Phone: 202-756-4642