Media Centre
Ottawa, ON – As International Women’s Day approaches, Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) is proud to announce the Building Skills, Building Futures project, an initiative designed to enhance the lives of transitioning Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families by providing comprehensive career transition support. This project prioritizes inclusivity, ensuring that women, 2SLGBTQI+, marginalized Veterans, and Cadets have the tools and opportunities to build meaningful careers in the unionized construction industry.
The Building Skills, Building Futures project is made possible with funding from the Veterans Well-Being Fund, administered by Veterans Affairs Canada and is a continuation of the work we’ve already started. Our previous outreach efforts, also supported by Veterans Affairs Canada, saw Helmets to Hardhats surpass 150 diverse military-community registrants, proving that with the right support, we can make real progress in breaking down barriers and increasing representation in the skilled trades.
This funding will empower Helmets to Hardhats to hire a female Veteran to help increase enrollment among Veterans and their families by expanding awareness of career transition programs for military-affiliated individuals. She will also facilitate career referrals, connecting Veterans and their families with valuable unionized apprenticeship opportunities.
“With the construction industry facing a skilled labour shortage, it’s critical that we engage underrepresented groups, particularly military-affiliated women and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community,” said James Hogarth, Executive Director of Helmets to Hardhats. “This funding allows us to continue connecting the military community to career opportunities that provide stability, financial security, and professional growth.”
“We often talk about the importance of supporting Veterans after their service, but real support means investing in them, today and in the future. Providing Veterans with access to comprehensive skills training and career transition support isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s smart for Canada. I’m proud to support the work of Helmets to Hardhats as recipients of the Veteran and Family Well-being Fund,” said The Hon. Darren Fisher, Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada and Associate Minister of National Defence
The high demand for tradespeople in construction makes the military-affiliated community a vital yet underutilized talent pool. This generous support will allow Helmets to Hardhats to continue supporting Veterans and their families into civilian life, creating more opportunities for meaningful careers in the skilled trades and fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce.
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On Truth and Reconciliation Day, Helmets to Hardhats stands united in our commitment to honouring the rich heritage and invaluable contributions of Indigenous peoples across Canada. We recognize the importance of this day in reflecting on the historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities and reaffirming our dedication to fostering positive change.
Helmets to Hardhats is devoted to providing meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities tailored to the unique skills and experiences of the Indigenous military-affiliated community. Our mission is to assist in their transition to civilian life and empower them with opportunities for long-term success and fulfillment in their chosen careers
We are continuously working to build partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations, ensuring that our initiatives are inclusive and culturally respectful. By actively collaborating with Indigenous leaders and stakeholders, we aim to create a supportive network that values and honours their traditions and perspectives.
Our commitment extends beyond today; it is reflected in our ongoing efforts to enhance employment programs, offer mentorship, and develop resources that cater to the specific needs of Indigenous Veterans. Through these actions, we strive to contribute to the broader movement toward reconciliation and justice.
On this day of reflection and respect, we reaffirm our pledge to stand alongside Indigenous communities, honouring their past, supporting their present, and working together for a future of equity and opportunity for all.
View the Original release here