H2H visits Teamsters Local 855
Teamsters 855, St. John's Nfld & Labrador has been a proud affiliate with Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) since 2014!
If you are a veteran looking to re-enter the workforce, register with H2H today.
Visit Local 855 by clicking here.
Trucking offers veterans a path to second careers
The path to a civilian truck driving career has improved in the last five years, as provincial licensing offices began to recognize military driving credentials known as a DND 404.
That change was largely realized through a campaign led by Helmets to Hardhats Canada, a non-profit group more widely known for helping veterans find careers in construction. It took a central role in discussions with the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, working alongside J4 Transport, Teamsters Canada, and building trade unions.
“It’s crazy. You could drive a transport truck in the military, but not on a 400-Series highway in civilian life,” says Joseph Maloney, founder and executive director of Helmets to Hardhats Canada.
“It worked, and it’s in place, and I think besides helping veterans it also helped the trucking industry.”
LILLEY: Helmets to Hardhats helps veterans find jobs in the trades
An organization started almost a decade ago to help veterans transition to civilian life is now extending help to those who stood shoulder to shoulder with Canada in Afghanistan.
Helmets to Hardhats helps place veterans who are leaving military service into training programs for the construction trades and will now help the interpreters, drivers, fixers, and others who worked alongside Canadian soldiers.
Ops Notes: Poppies and My Pops
Among all the drama of the U.S. election, the new color coded COVID system and all the other ‘newsworthy’ headlines we should not forget that November 11th is Remembrance Day. It is the observed day where we salute those who have served and continue to serve; and we take pause to honor the fallen in times of war and conflict. It’s a singular day where we as a country collectively gives thanks to these men and women who have and still stand with courage and valour to protect their values and that of their chosen nation.
Pour en apprendre davantageLa restauration et la remise en état du "Tommy"
The Sarnia-Lambton Building Construction and Trades Council. led by President John Swart , led a campaign to restore the Statue after vandalism in April. The bronze statue, known as « Tommy » was dedicated in 1922 and stands as a tribute in Sarnia’s Veterans Park to those soldiers who sacrificed during the First World War.
"I was pleased to be a part of Saturday’s 100th anniversary ceremony at the Sarnia Cenotaph,"" said MPP Bob Bailey via Twitter, "Local tradespeople, companies and organizations donated over $100,000 in materials and labour to upgrade the cenotaph and restore the 100-year-old “Tommy” statue after it was damaged."
H2H observes first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Du régiment aux bâtiments ont à cœur de rappeler et de rendre honneur aux survivants, leurs familles et leurs communautés.
H2H Labour Day Support despite parade cancellation
Due to covid restrictions the Sarnia, ON, the official Labour Day parade was cancelled but the building trades wanted to keep the 120 year tradition of labour going so they decided to gather at the workers monument looking over Chemical Valley. The workers monument is on the left.
Joe Maloney, H2H is holding the Support Our Troops flag on the right and next to him (R) is Ron Simon, Veteran, who joined the Boilermakers through H2H. The others are members from the Insulators and Boilermakers unions.
Joe Maloney would like to thank John Swart president of the Sarnia building trades council for keeping this 120 year record going. Very proud day.
Réussir sa vie après le service : Drew Semper
Passer de l’avionique militaire aux services électriques dans le secteur privé signifie recommencer du début. En novembre 2000, il a suivi une formation préapprentissage intense de 12 semaines en vue de l’obtention de son Sceau rouge, la désignation reconnue par la province pour les électriciens qualifiés. Il est maintenant apprenti de première année chez Brymar Electric, qui fait du câblage pour des projets de construction commerciale et résidentielle dans la région d’Edmonton.
DRB rencontre le ministre des Anciens Combattants du Canada
De le fil Twitter de le ministre des Anciens Combattants du Canada ( @L_MacAulay ) : Après plus de 36 ans dans l'uniforme, David Giannou travaille maintenant pour aider les vétérans à démarrer une carrière dans les métiers spécialisés à @H2HCanada
Vandalism of Cenotaph soldier an insult to community
It was a stinging slap in the face to the memories of all who have answered Canada’s call to arms.
What’s more, it desecrated the sacrifice of Sarnia’s fallen soldiers, sailors and airmen whose names, in the hundreds, are recorded on the Cenotaph in Veterans Park.
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley spoke of “sadness and outrage” after vandals pried the rifle off the First World War statue, known as “Tommy,” on April 6. The bronze soldier has stood sentinel over what Bradley called “this Hallowed ground” since 1922.
Royal Canadian Legion Vice President Les Jones, a former police officer and veteran of the First Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment, said it was “incomprehensible” someone could commit such a thoughtless crime against “an empty tomb honouring our brave men and women.”
When John Swart learned the metal gun had been stolen, however, he knew his members would spring into action. Swart, president of the Sarnia-Lambton Building Construction and Trades Council, said his members were appalled at the disrespect shown Canada’s war vets.
His 7,000-member Council is part of a national campaign known as ‘Helmets to Hardhats,’ which recruits veterans to construction apprentice trades once they’ve completed their service. So the desecration of Tommy hit a nerve. The members, who represent all construction trades from operating engineers to insulators and laborers, are raising money to cover the restoration cost.
H2H Info Webinar for COATS & Cadets
Une séance d'information sur le programme Du régiment aux bâtiments (DRB) est prévue dans une semaine, soit le 9 juin 2021. Normand Trépanier, vétéran ayant servi dans les FAC durant 37 ans et actuel directeur-adjoint de DRB, et Paul Bury, vétéran ayant servi dans les FAC durant 33 ans et directeur des placements de DRB, seront les hôtes de cette séance d'information sur le programme. DRB est un organisme qui permet de mettre en relation la communauté militaire (y compris les cadets séniors) à des métiers spécialisés dans l'industrie du bâtiment et de la construction.
Plus d'information (COATS & Volunteers / SAIOC & bénévoles Facebook)
Former military officer hired to help vets find construction work in region
The veterans support program Helmets to Hardhats Canada has received a federal grant to hire an Atlantic representative.
Dave Giannou, a retired lieutenant-commander in the navy, began his new position last week. He is working to help former military personnel in the region find new employment in the construction industry.
"We are a family, we always take care of our own so this is an opportunity for me to give back to the family," he said.
Lettre du Sous-ministre, ACC à DRB
To all Veterans, Families, Associations and Stakeholders,
Today, Government announced that my tour of duty as the Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada is coming to a close. My last day with the Department will be 24 May, when I will hang-up my spurs…again!
Over these past six and a half years, it has been a privilege to continue to serve those who served our nation. It was humbling to honour our fallen comrades and I was proud to make every effort to assist those in need.
All of us who wore the uniform of the CAF and RCMP made a choice to sign-up and each of us had a unique experience in uniform. There were good times and there were tough times. Tragically, some of our comrades in arms made the ultimate sacrifice for Canada. Some amongst us were wounded, some became ill or injured.
For some folks, the support from Veterans Affairs made a positive difference on the road to recovery and well-being. In other cases, the great staff at VAC will continue to provide support that reflects Care, Compassion and Respect. Our VAC employees are dedicated to their mission to support all of our Veterans and their families. Almost all have a link to a Veteran in their personal life and many are Veterans themselves. While they have a huge amount of empathy, some need to use all the tools at their disposal to gently nudge us on the road to wellness.
Thank you for your service in the Veterans’ community, for your enduring leadership, generosity and support to those in need. I have appreciated your insights, your determination to make a difference and your understanding. A small request: just as we learned on Basic Training, please continue to work together as a tight-knit team towards a common good for our Veterans.
It’s been great to serve with you again! May you be blessed with health and safety.
Respectfully,
Walt Natynczyk
H2H hires Atlantic Rep with help from federal grant
Du Régiment aux Bâtiments Canada renforce son engagement envers les vétérans des Forces armées à la recherche d’une formation dans les métiers spécialisés et des possibilités de carrière dans les provinces maritimes en nommant le capitaine de corvette à la retraite David Giannou comme représentant du Service de transition du Canada en atlantique à compter du 10 mai. Il sera basé à Halifax.
Du Régiment aux Bâtiments – DRB en abrégé – est une organisation à but non lucratif qui travaille en partenariat avec le gouvernement, l’industrie et les syndicats pour aider les vétérans (ainsi que leurs conjoints et personnes à charge, réservistes et cadets supérieurs) dans leur transition vers une carrière civile dans l’industrie de la construction. Giannou coordonnera les efforts entre les conseils des métiers de la construction des provinces de l’Atlantique, les associations d’employeurs et les Forces armées canadiennes.
L’embauche de Giannou provient directement d’une subvention du Fonds pour le bien-être des vétérans et de la famille, une initiative d’Anciens Combattants Canada qui offre un soutien financier aux programmes qui ont un impact positif et durable sur la communauté des vétérans.
Le ministre des Anciens Combattants, Lawrence MacAulay, a déclaré que l’organisation méritait une augmentation de financement. « Du Régiment aux Bâtiments fait un travail exceptionnel pour soutenir nos vétérans chaque jour. Je sais que David aidera les vétérans à trouver de nouvelles carrières enrichissantes dans les métiers spécialisés à travers le Canada atlantique. Je suis très fier que nous puissions leur apporter notre soutien pour rendre cela possible grâce au Fonds pour le bien-être des vétérans et de la famille. »
Le directeur exécutif du DRB, Joe Maloney, a accueilli favorablement la subvention fédérale. « Le Canada fait face à une pénurie imminente de travailleurs qualifiés et ces braves hommes et femmes possèdent les compétences nécessaires pour réussir dans les métiers », a-t-il déclaré. « Ces gens-là ont besoin d’une deuxième carrière enrichissante et l’industrie a besoin de travailleurs dévoués. C’est une solution parfaite et une situation gagnante pour toutes les parties impliquées. Grâce aux Anciens Combattants, nous faisons de cet objectif une réalité. »
Giannou, originaire des maritimes, est né à Glace Bay en Nouvelle-Écosse. Il a grandi à Corner Brook, Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador. Il s’est enrôlé dans la Marine royale canadienne (MRC) en 1982 dans le cadre du Programme de formation des techniciens en génie maritime, et il a gradué en 1985 avec deux diplômes en poche. Il a servi pendant les 16 années suivantes en tant qu’ingénieur de marine sur des navires et sous-marins de la MRC mis en service en 2000, puis a passé une décennie à superviser la formation en simulation et à poursuivre sa propre formation d’ingénieur. Il obtient par la suite, le titre d’officier du génie sur le NCSM Preserver, le plus ancien navire de la MRC. Cette expertise l’a conduit à sa nomination en 2013 à l’École de génie naval. Il a récemment pris sa retraite après une brillante carrière de 36 ans dans la MRC.
David apporte avec lui une riche expérience en formation et en ingénierie, il est un produit de la marine », a déclaré Maloney. « Je ne peux être plus qu’heureux de le voir poursuivre nos efforts pour forger de nouvelles carrières pour nos militaires de la région des maritimes. »
Boilermaker and Veteran saves a Life
Lodge 128 member Ron Simon is being heralded for his part in saving the life of a fellow tradesperson. Brother Simon stepped forward along with UA Local 663 member Cody Shephard to perform CPR on a UA member suffering a serious cardiac event.
With thanks to Ron, Cody, and Shell’s emergency response this fortunate individual is recovering in hospital.
MacKenzie Legion branch gets facelift from dedicated trades volunteers
For just about the duration of the pandemic, Mike Humphries and a volunteer crew have been spending many of their Saturdays on renovations to the MacKenzie Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in Woodbridge, Ont.
“It’s one of our older Legions that needs a little bit of a facelift and I wanted to do something to help them out,” says Humphries, a business representative of Carpenters’ Local 27 and the union’s liaison for the Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) program.
Cliquez ici pour en savoir plusCanadian military veteran praises H2H efforts for enduring pandemic challenges
The pandemic has “slowed” the drive by Helmets to Hardhats Canada (H2H) to place Canadian Armed Forces veterans in unionized construction trades, but H2H still managed to refer 30 veterans for possible placement in trade apprenticeships across Canada in February.
Five veterans started placements that month, one of them in B.C. and four in Ontario.
Among those vets was Sean Massinen who had 14 years of experience in the military but wanted to launch a new career and start thinking about planning a family one day.
Joe Maloney, national executive director of H2H, says the pandemic put a stop to a number of H2H duties including its cross-country information seminars on the program. “We had to rely on word of mouth and social media campaigns.”
He says as the weather warms and construction ramps up, H2H organizers expect to see a lot more veteran placements in trade positions.
Plus d'infoFanshawe’s military-connected students to benefit from new partnership with Helmets to Hardhats
(London, Ontario) – Fanshawe College is proud to announce a new partnership with Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) that will provide the College’s military-connected students with pathways into Canada’s skilled trade industry. H2H is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to assisting veterans who are transitioning from military service into well-paid, highly-skilled second careers in construction and related industries.
As a military-connected College, Fanshawe and H2H will work together to support our veterans, reservists and cadets by providing valuable job opportunities to help rebuild Ontario’s economy through the skilled trades and apprenticeship sectors. H2H has strategic partnerships with national trade unions, providing additional networking opportunities for Fanshawe military-connected students upon graduation.
Fanshawe is the first College in Canada to partner with Helmets to Hardhats. Military-connected graduates will have the opportunity to use the services of H2H to seek skilled trades jobs across Canada.
“Fanshawe College is excited to collaborate with Helmets to Hardhats to create employment opportunities for our military-connected students who will graduate ready to contribute to the economic recovery of their community,” says Darlene O’Neill, Director, Employment and Student Entrepreneurial Services, Fanshawe College.
“Helmets to Hardhats looks forward to supporting military veterans, reservists and cadets, supporting the economy and growing the skilled construction trades with military-connected students through our partnership with Fanshawe College,” says Joseph Maloney, Executive Director, Helmets to Hardhats.
This partnership expands Fanshawe’s network of viable employers for our students and will help employers find the best job candidates.
Plus d'info du Fanshawe's Military-connected campusUnited Association Local 663 hires Veterans
A local union that’s part of a movement to help military veterans successfully transition into civilian life, is urging other local building trades to join the effort.
Local 663, representing plumbers, steamfitters and welders, is one of several in Canada’s construction industry backing Helmets to Hard Hats, a program that helps veterans find work in the trades.
Ross Tius, business manger for Local 663, said it has already approved six candidates from the program for entry into the union, and he’s challenging other building trades to do the same. “Given the sacrifice they’ve gone through, we owe them some form of respect and allegiance,” Tius said. “I think it’s the right thing to do.” Plus d'AU locale 663
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