News and Media

Free Construction Safety Courses available to Veterans

Helmets to hardhats is offering five courses AT NO COST at IHSA facilities across Ontario for the military community.

To enroll:

• Register with Helmets to Hardhats
• Select a course, location, and date
• Email: darryl@releasepointeducation.ca
• Receive confirmation

H2H Receives Veterans Ombudsman Commendation

Today, Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) was awarded a 2022 Veterans Ombud Commendation. This award recognizes H2H for our significant contributions to the lives of Veterans across Canada. Although it is an honour to receive this award, H2H is committed to continuing our important initiative of supporting Veterans, Reservists, Cadets, military family members and Afghan interpreters in finding a meaningful second career in the unionized construction industry.

At H2H, we believe that because of the dedicated service of our Veterans, it is now our responsibility to provide our services to Veterans as they transition into civilian life. This is the mission that drives us, as we think about Veterans every day, all year long.

We would like to thank Construction Labour Relations An Alberta Association for the nomination and their continued support of H2H. We look forward to expanding on our initiatives and making a positive difference in the lives of Veterans.

News Release: https://www.ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca/en/media/news-releases/2022-veterans-ombud-commendations-announced

H2H launch Homeless Veteran outreach

Ontario Labour Minister Monte McNaughton met with @H2HCanada Alex Lolua & Joe Maloney to launch their new poster campaign informing homeless Veterans of opportunities H2H can offer. The skilledtrades are open to all military community.

New scholarship opportunity for Veterans interested in the Millwright trade

The unionized construction industry, employers, contractors, and the skilled trades are facing unprecedented challenges in finding and retaining the workers they need during this period of economic recovery and growth across Ontario. Helmets to Hardhats (H2H), the Millwright Regional Council of Ontario (MRCO) and the Association of Millwrighting Contractors of Ontario (AMCO) are partnering together to take action to address these shortages while supporting Veterans, Reservists, and Cadets.

Executive Director of H2H, Joe Maloney, along with Mark Beardsworth, MRCO Executive Secretary-Treasurer and Patricia Penney-Rouzes, Executive Director from AMCO are announcing a joint initiative to offer a tailored scholarship, the “Millwright Scholarship: Investing in our Future” to provide Veterans the opportunity to return to school to earn a certificate from a recognized Millwright program. This will allow the successful Veterans to gain knowledge and experience to enter the workforce and offer employers sustainable and hardworking employees.

With more than 8,000 Veterans and Reservists transitioning out of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) every year at the average age of 32, these individuals have long working careers ahead of them. Joining the unionized construction industry is an appealing option for many Veterans because of the competitive wages, benefits pension plans and training. Together, H2H, MRCO and AMCO are making it more accessible, efficient and streamlined for Veterans to learn the trade and fill Millwright opportunities across Ontario.

The Millwright scholarship will:

• Support at least 5 Helmets to Hardhats clients who will select a one-year program from an Ontario College.
• Be offered on a first come, first served basis, pending applicants must meet all the eligibility requirements
• Reimburse the successful recipients for the semester’s tuition and program fees
• Allow employers to hire and support Veterans to keep up with the growing demand for Millwrights across Ontario

This partnership emphasizes the importance of employing Veterans with meaningful second careers in the unionized construction industry. As a partnership, we strongly believe that it is now our responsibility to provide second career opportunities to Veterans after the service they have given us.

Please submit your application for the Millwright Scholarship: Investing in our Future, here: https://www.jotform.com/223074864190053

For further information and media inquiries, please contact:

Aidan Strickland, Director of Communications for Helmets to Hardhats
astrickland@helmetstohardhats.ca

The Millwright Regional Council of Ontario media@millwrightont.com

H2H signs MOU with the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries

Today, Joe Maloney, Founder and Executive Director of Helmets to Hardhats Canada (H2H), and Bill Walker, President & CEO of the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU will promote and support hiring Canadian Veterans, transitioning military members, Reservists, Cadets, military family members, and Afghan interpreters into the Canadian nuclear industry and the nuclear supply chain. Under the MoU, both organizations recognize

Official News Release can be read here

H2H at opening of the new #LiUNA training centre

H2H was at the opening of the new #LiUNA training centre in Grimsby, Ontario preparing the way for skilled apprentices & opportunities for military Veterans, ensuring quality productivity & safety #1

H2H featured on Blue is the New White Podcast

H2H’s Jamie McMillan talks with Josh Zolin from Blue is the New White! Find out how Jamie turned the Pandemic into life-changing community service, her determination to help others tell their stories and why Helmets to Hardhats is vital to so many Veterans.
Blue is the New White podcast

H2H at St. John's Pride Parade

H2H Staffer Cora Saunders marched in the St. John’s Pride Parade this weekend and met lots of military members showing their pride! @STJPride #yytpride #stjohnspride #pride2022

H2H offers free Safety Training in Trenton from 3-7 Oct

Only 2 weeks to save your spot! Ontario military & Veterans! #HelmetstoHardhats is offering free Safety Training in Trenton from 3-7 Oct. These provincially mandated courses must be completed before working at any construction site. Register at helmetstohardhats.ca

H2H at Labour Day Parade Parade 2022

H2H's Executive Director Joe Maloney and his grandson Mekhai proudly marched at the Sarnia Labour Day parade

H2H at Carpenter's Golf Tournament

Normand Trepanier and Michael Humphries manning the Helmets to Hardhats’ booth during the Ontario Carpenters Council Golf Tournament day held in the beautiful Angus Glen Golf Course in Markham, ON.

H2H at Boilermaker Tripartite

Helmets to Hardhats Team participating at the Boilermakers Tripartite Conference in St Andrew by the Sea New Brunswick.

H2H at Fredericton Pride Parade

H2H's Dave Giannou & Cora Saunders enjoyed the festivities at the Fredericton Pride Parade in August!

H2H Executive Director Chosen 2022 Industry Award Winner

Congratulations!!! to Helmets to Hardhats Executive Director, Joe Maloney, the 2022 recipient of the Industry Award from the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers!! Well done!

H2H at the Saskatchewan Building Trades Conference

H2H is at the Saskatchewan Building Trades Conference, #Saskatoon @SKBldingTrades 27July. Come on over & find out how employers can hire a Veteran: it’s simple,secure & free! #HelmetstoHardhats

Veterans from H2H some of ‘best employees’ says contractor

If one of the owners of a major scaffolding company in Toronto had an opportunity to hire a large crew of ex-military personnel transitioning into careers as carpenters, he’d do it on a moment’s notice.

They are that good, says Kris Rodobolski, a co-founder and chief operating officer of Summit Access Solutions Inc ., which has built a reputation for its scaffolding work on major projects in the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa and other regions of the province.

Over the last couple of years, the contractor has employed four to six ex-military personnel at any given time as carpenter apprentices in scaffolding through the Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) program.

At first, Rodobolski had no idea if the crews from H2H would work out on the job.

“We very quickly learned that these are some of the best employees we’ll ever have.”

He says even “green apprentices” have proven to be assets right away.

“They are hardworking, very respectful” of their peers and managers and “they are very prompt – as small an item as that seems.”

Rodobolski believes their military experience has been character building, helping those men and women develop good working habits and interpersonal skills needed as new apprentices.

Summit, which builds all types of scaffolding, including large platform access units and employs 80 to 100 workers, is one of a growing number of builders that see the merits of hiring H2H workers.

Read the full article here

H2H receives generous donations at Golf Tournement

Mr. Romeo Milano of Safety Environmental presenting a cheque of the amount of $1000 to Normand from Helmets to Hardhats. M. Romeo Milano de Safety Environmental remettant un chèque au montant de 1000 $ à Normand Du Régiment aux Bâtiments.

Normand, H2H, receiving a cheque from Mr. Christian Bassels TORCAN LIFT EQUIPMENT of $1000 in support to Helmets to Hardhats Canada. Normand, DRB, recevant un chèque au montant de 1000 $ de la part de M. Christian Bassels de TORCAN LIFT EQUIPMENT en support à Du Régiment aux Bâtiments.

Normand, H2H, receiving a cheque from Mr. Alex McMiller TRV Group Inc of the amount of $1000 in support to Helmets to Hardhats Canada. Normand. DRB, recevant un chèque au montant de 1000 $ de la part de M. Alex McMiller de TRV Group Inc en support à Du Régiment aux Bâtiments.

Normand with the owner of the Summit Access Solution Chris and Dave accompanied by Mr. Dan Church from Superior Crane and Michael Humphries from the Carpenters Union local 27. Normand avec les propriétaires de Summit Access Solution Chris et Dave ils sont accompagné par M. Dan Church de Superior Crane et par Michael Humphries du syndicat des Charpentiers-menuisiers local 27.

H2H offers free safety courses

Ontario only! Helmetstohardhats is sponsoring free mandated industry safety courses throughout the province! These courses are required on any construction worksite. You must be registered with H2H prior to acceptance. Register today at https://app.helmetstohardhats.ca/en/Register
Questions? Contact us anytime https://www.helmetstohardhats.ca/en/about.html

H2H at Nova Scotia Building Trades

Helmets to Hardhats is at the Mainland Nova Scotia Building Trades 7th Annual Conference! Our Placement Officer Dave is presenting today and will be answering questions etc at our booth. Come by and say Hi!

H2H at Human Rights Conference

This week Jamie MacMillan will be representing Helmets to Hardhats with H2H Placement Officer Paul Bury at the Human Rights Conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba for Pride Week. Thanks to you Todd, Karen and Diane from Rainbow Veterans for stopping by to welcome us. 🏳️‍🌈

H2H receives Skills Development Funding to reach more Veterans

The Ontario government is working for workers by supporting the development of accessible pathways to the skilled trades industry for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Reservists, Veterans, family members and senior cadets. Transitioning from military service is a difficult period, where Helmets to Hardhats has established a credible process that refers patrons to quality post-service careers. In partnership with Canada’s Building Trades Unions, Helmets to Hardhats has to date referred over 2500 clients to opportunities into apprenticeships and direct hires in Canada’s construction industry.

As a result of the second round of the Skills Development Fund application, the Ontario government financially supports a unique collaboration between Helmets to Hardhats , Fanshawe College, Loyalist College and Point Release Education. This innovative partnership forms the basis of a Military-Connected Student in Trades Pilot Program (MCSTPP), This program is a realization of a learning-to-employment pathway for military connected students entering the construction industry in Ontario.

“Ontario’s brave men and women in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves put their lives on hold in service of their country,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “That is why our government is proud to invest in innovative programs like Helmets to Hardhats, which connects veterans to meaningful, well-paying careers when they return to civilian life.”

“With support from Minister McNaughton, Helmets to hardhats has partnered with leaders in Ontario postsecondary to provide credible, recognizable, and valued programming that will lead to a meaningful impact on Ontario’s economy. It is essential that we highlight career opportunities for Canadas Veterans and their families as we simultaneously honour the commitment to service they made on behalf of the nation,” said Joseph Maloney , Executive Director Helmets to Hardhats.

Along with the MCSTPP the Skills Development Fund supports an innovative program called Pathways to Post Military Employment. This is a partnership between Helmets to Hardhats and the Good Shepherd Ministries to seek out homeless veterans and offer them opportunities in the construction industry.

“It can be a struggle for a homeless Veteran to stay hopeful and envision a way off the streets. However, Good Shepherd’s partnership with Helmets to Hardhats offers a lifeline to Veterans. If a homeless veteran realizes that they can learn trade skills that will secure a good job, it gives them a sense of purpose. It means they can build a future, not just struggle to survive from day to day. By helping Good Shepherd connect homeless and at-risk Veterans with training that leads to good , well paying careers in the construction industry, Helmets to Hardhats is giving dignity, structure, and hope to Veterans on the streets. It is a great encouragement to see that the Ontario Government is investing in the future of Veterans. None of this should rest until all of our Veterans have a safe place they call home!” said Brother David Lynch , Executive Director Good Shepherd Ministries.

Links:
Ontario Skills Development Fund
Good Shepherd Ministries

H2H at CBTU Convention

Two members of Helmets to Hardhats team at the 2022 CBTU Convention at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa. From left to right, David Giannou our Atlantic Rep and Paul Bury our Western & Northern Rep. This is the first convention since 2020 due to Covid-19.

Outreach specialist joins H2H team

From Jamie McMillan, Outreach Specialist, H2H:
"Today I am so freaking proud to announce my newest adventure with Helmets to Hardhats Canada as their newest recruiter. It is an absolute honour to expand our KickAss Careers outreach program to recruit military veterans, their partners & children into the Canadian Building Trades Unions."

Outreach specialist joins H2H team

From Cora Saunders, Outreach Specialist, H2H:
"My military time was spent in both components, regular and reserve and I feel that having experience in both components served me well. My time was also spent in two elements both Air and Army. While I was with the Reserve I had postings at a Service Battalion as well as being both a clerk and a recruiter at both recruiting centres in Newfoundland.
Some of my other posting were 16 Wing in Borden, ON and 9 Wing Gander where I spent two years working with the Canadian Rangers. I did my final release in 2012 after spending 32 years in the service and decided it was a good time to travel a little."

H2H visits WorkingNB

From Dave Giannou, Atlantic Canada Representative, H2H: I met with Deputy Minister Daniel Mills, Assistant Deputy Minister Alain Basque and Sarah Price, Executive Director, WorkingNB to discuss how Helmets to Hardhats and WorkingNB can work together for the mutual benefit of New Brunswickers and our veterans. In the attached pictures are DM Mills, Sarah Price and myself in the boardroom of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour NB. Alain Basque had to leave early and I didn’t get his picture. Next time…
Visit Working NB by clicking here.

More advocacy: H2H joins the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries

OCNI is very proud to announce that Helmets to Hardhats Canada was accepted as a supporting member of the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI) at the January 7 2022 OCNI board meeting.
“The H2H supporting membership will help build stronger ties between OCNI and H2H resulting in veterans finding good jobs and careers in some of the 220 OCNI member companies that supply goods and services to Canada’s nuclear industry that are playing a major role in helping Canada achieve its “Net Zero by 2050” GHG reduction target.” said OCNI President and CEO Dr. Ron Oberth. “We believe that Canada’s veterans will bring valuable skills, discipline, and teamwork to strengthen the Canadian nuclear supply chain.”

For more info on how to apply to the nuclear industry during or after military service: