Ontario Construction News staff writer
Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) had a busy and successful year placing and referring veterans in construction/maintenance industries, says founder and executive director Joseph Maloney.
However, the challenges created by COVID-19 will continue making the job more difficult in 2021.
“As we collectively work our way out of this pandemic, H2H will continue to work with all our stakeholders in placing and referring well deserving transitioning military, reservists and senior cadets into highly skilled apprenticeship systems in the unionized construction/maintenance industries throughout Canada,” Maloney said.
“We will also continue to work with all registered employers who are looking for quality personal for any positions required in their companies.”
Helmets to Hardhats Canada placed 12 Ontario military veterans in construction career opportunities during December, bringing the provincial total to 58 in 2020.
Since the program started in Canada nine years ago, H2H has placed 1,054 Canadian veterans into organisations and companies – an average of 117 placements per year. There is no cost to register with H2H for any veteran, reservist or senior cadet.
“All reports from industry stakeholders who have hired a veteran have been very good,” Maloney said in a year-end update.
“Employers, apprenticeship and training coordinators are pleased with their work ethics, leadership skills and ability to work in a team environment. We inform every veteran, reservist and senior cadet who registers with H2H that we are offering a second career not just a job.”
H2H Canada is a registered not for profit organization providing all-inclusive opportunities in the building trades for former military, transitioning and those serving either with the Regular or Reserve Forces, their spouses and dependent children from 18 to 25 years old.
“For what these brave men and woman have done and continue to do for us, offering them more options when they come home is just the right thing to do,” Maloney said.
For more information visit H2H Canada.