News and Media

Helmets to Hardhats Expands Support for Veterans and Military Families Through Funding from Veterans Affairs Canada

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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Helmets to Hardhats Launches Skilled Pathway Program to Support Alberta Veterans

[Edmonton, AB] – Helmets to Hardhats (H2H), in partnership with the Government of Alberta's Minister of Advanced Education, Rajan Sawhney, proudly announce the launch of the Skilled Pathway Program, an initiative aimed at equipping Alberta's Veterans, Reservists and their immediate family members with the preparation and skills needed for fulfilling careers in Alberta's unionized construction industry.

The first-of-its-kind program in Alberta is based on the success of a similar initiative in Ontario, where H2H has empowered hundreds of Veterans and military families to secure meaningful, long-term employment in the unionized construction sector. By providing Veterans and Reservists with the necessary certifications and training, the Skilled Pathway Program aims to bridge the gap between military service and the growing demand for skilled labour in Alberta.

With a focus on reducing barriers to entry and expediting the pathway into one of Canada's 14 Building Trades Unions, the program aims to support 40 Veterans into apprenticeship systems, providing them with the necessary support to transition into civilian employment while supporting Alberta's economic growth.

The program will focus on enhanced engagement, with outreach to Alberta's military communities to ensure awareness and access to our resources. It will offer participants foundational safety certifications, including Working at Heights and First Aid, to prepare them for Alberta construction sites. The Skilled Pathway Program will also offer leadership training to equip participants with essential skills for safety management.

Additionally, each participant will receive access to personal safety equipment, ensuring they are fully prepared for employment in the construction industry.

"This program exemplifies the Alberta government's commitment to supporting our Veterans. It addresses critical workforce needs while providing military families with opportunities for meaningful, long-term careers in the unionized construction industry," said James Hogarth, Executive Director at Helmets to Hardhats. "This initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together to create pathways for those who have served."

“Having recently commemorated Remembrance Day, I want to emphasize the importance of supporting our veterans and service members through the entire year. I am excited to partner with Helmets to Hardhats to open new doors for Alberta’s service members and am confident that their hard work and dedication will translate seamlessly to post-service careers in the trades.”
Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education

"We are thrilled to see this initiative come to life, supporting Veterans as they transition into civilian careers. This program will add immense value to our unionized construction sector by bringing in highly disciplined and skilled individuals. This partnership will strengthen both our workforce and our communities."
Terry Parker, Executive Director, Building Trades of Alberta

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Honouring Veterans Through Opportunity

On Remembrance Day, our thoughts turn to the brave men and women who have and are currently serving our country with pride and dedication. We honour and remember the fallen, whose sacrifices shaped our freedom. Today, and every day, we remember their service.

At Helmets to Hardhats (H2H), we are committed to supporting Veterans as they transition into civilian life by offering opportunities for rewarding and meaningful careers in the unionized construction industry. This Remembrance Day, we want to highlight the importance of providing second careers to the military community and recognize that this is a necessity that needs to continue throughout the year.

Helmets to Hardhats is a national non-profit organization that provides career opportunities in the unionized construction industry for Veterans, reservists, and military family members. We serve as a bridge, connecting those who have served our country with opportunities to build rewarding careers in the skilled trades. Many skills learned in the military—such as leadership, teamwork, discipline and a strong work ethic —translate seamlessly into the trades, making this transition a natural fit. But our mission goes beyond career referrals. Veterans face unique challenges when reintegrating into civilian life, which can be daunting. That's why we are committed to offering support and guidance every step of the way. Through Veteran-to-Veteran support, training opportunities, and guidance from industry professionals, Helmets to Hardhats provides Veterans and their families with the resources they need to succeed.

As we commemorate Remembrance Day, it's important to remember that the service of our Veterans doesn't end with their military careers. The skills, leadership, and work ethic they develop while serving our country make them valuable contributors to the civilian workforce, with many indicating they want to use these and their new skills to benefit their communities. Helmets to Hardhats ensures that this talent is recognized and utilized. On this solemn occasion, we renew our commitment to Veterans by honouring their sacrifices and empowering them to build new careers. We believe that one of the best ways to show appreciation is through action—helping Veterans secure the futures they deserve. As we reflect on the service and sacrifice of our military personnel this Remembrance Day, let's also look toward the future, ensuring that those who served continue to thrive in the skilled trades.

Together, we can ensure that those who have served our country continue to have the opportunities and support they need as they transition into civilian life. Let us commit to action as we pause to honour our Veterans, and the lives lost this Remembrance Day.

Lest we forget.

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Helmets to Hardhats Celebrates Success as Key Sponsor of the 165th Running of the King’s Plate

Toronto, ON – August 26, 2024 – Helmets to Hardhats proudly served as a major sponsor of the 165th running of the King’s Plate, a landmark event that brought together a distinguished assembly of Union representatives, industry employers, Provincial building trade councils and government representatives including Ontario Lieutenant-Governor Edith Dumont and the Right Honourable Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This prestigious occasion underscored our mission to support Veterans and the military-affiliated community transitioning into civilian careers in the unionized construction industry.

The King’s Plate, a hallmark of tradition and excellence, provided the perfect backdrop for highlighting our ongoing efforts to assist Veterans, Cadets, Reservists, and military family members as they navigate their career transitions. The event saw a remarkable turnout, and people gathered to reinforce their commitment to the Helmets to Hardhats initiative and the unionized construction industry’s dedication to our Veterans.

This event served as a platform to raise awareness about Helmets to Hardhats’ mission, highlighting the collective effort of all involved to bridge the gap between military and civilian careers through targeted support and training. It also emphasized the critical role of the skilled trades in our economy and the importance of supporting Veterans as they move from military service to civilian roles. Having representation from so many of Canada’s Building Trades Unions showcased their solidarity with Veterans, reiterating their commitment to providing valuable career opportunities within the construction industry.

“We are honoured to have been a key sponsor of this historic event,” said James Hogarth, Executive Director of Helmets to Hardhats. “The King’s Plate provided an exceptional opportunity to showcase the dedication of our partners and the unwavering support of the unionized construction industry for our Veterans. Together, we are making significant strides in ensuring that those who have served our country are given the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in their new civilian careers.”

The Helmets to Hardhats initiative remains steadfast in its commitment to facilitating the transition of Veterans and the military-affiliated community into skilled trades professions, fostering a supportive network that values their unique skills and experiences. The success of this event highlights the strong partnerships that drive our mission forward and the collective commitment to honouring and supporting those who have served.

Helmets to Hardhats Empowers Indigenous Veterans, Advances Diversity in Skilled Trades

Ottawa, Canada - June 21, 2024 - Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) proudly announces the remarkable progress of its Indigenous Veteran Outreach Project, a pivotal initiative aimed at fostering diversity in the skilled trades while advancing Reconciliation by promoting careers in Canada's 14 Building Trades Unions to Indigenous communities across Canada.

Since its inception in June 2023, the project has emerged as a pathway for Indigenous Canadian Armed Forces Veterans and their families' seeking opportunities in the unionized construction industry. The Indigenous Veteran Outreach Project has achieved significant milestones by engaging with over 70 Indigenous organizations nationwide, which is led by the dedicated efforts of the Helmets to Hardhats Indigenous Outreach Advisor. This engagement has been supported by the project's active participation in eight major conferences and cultural gatherings, from the Hadiya'dagénhahs First Annual Pow Wow at Brock University to Indigenous Veterans Day celebrations in Manitoba and participating in the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls March with the Cheam First Nation in British Columbia, these events enhanced cultural awareness and facilitated valuable networking opportunities crucial for bridging the gap between military service and civilian careers.

The various outreach methods used in engaging with Indigenous communities are central to the project's success. Through virtual outreach to remote Indigenous communities and active participation in culturally significant gatherings, this versatile approach has enabled Helmets to Hardhats to exceed engagement goals by facilitating deeper connections within Indigenous communities while promoting the available opportunities in Canada's Building Trades Unions.

Looking ahead, Helmets to Hardhats reaffirms its commitment to Reconciliation by empowering the Indigenous military community to explore career opportunities within the skilled trades workforce. By building upon its solid foundation of outreach through community organizations and national Indigenous associations, the project aims to sustain and expand its efforts, aligning closely with the evolving needs of Indigenous Veterans and their families. By prioritizing community-specific outreach, the project continues to pave the way for successful transitions of Indigenous peoples into fulfilling careers within Canada's unionized construction sector.

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Woodbine Entertainment and Helmets to Hardhats Form King’s Plate Partnership

TORONTO, June 20, 2024 – Woodbine Entertainment and Helmets to Hardhats Canada (H2H) are pleased to announce a new partnership for the 2024 King’s Plate, taking place at Woodbine Racetrack on August 17.

Through the partnership, H2H will be recognized as the Official Building Trades Unions Veterans’ Liaison of the 165th running of The King’s Plate, and a Canadian Veteran will be included in the opening ceremony.

“Woodbine is proud to support Helmets to Hardhats and its valuable objectives,” said Woodbine Entertainment CEO Michael Copeland. “We can think of no better way to show our appreciation for our servicepeople than to see them succeed in life after their years of hard work and sacrifice.”

H2H’s mission is to support Veterans, reservists, senior cadets, military family members, and Afghan Interpreters in finding meaningful second careers in the unionized construction industry. They do this by simplifying and expediting the process of joining the skilled trades by assisting clients into apprenticeship opportunities with one of Canada’s 14 Building Trades Unions or offering direct hires with recognized employers.

"We are thrilled to partner with Woodbine Entertainment to champion our mission of empowering Veterans with meaningful career opportunities in Canada's Building Trades Unions," said James Hogarth, Executive Director of Helmets to Hardhats Canada. "Through this partnership, we aim to raise awareness about our organization and our services to the military community while showcasing the abundant career possibilities available within the unionized construction industry. Together, we will pave the way for a brighter future in the construction industry with the value added by a Veteran."

Founded in 1860, The King's Plate is the longest continuously run stakes race in North America and the richest horse race in Canada.

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Helmets to Hardhats working to increase female representation in the skilled trades

It is an unfortunate reality that women are predominately underrepresented in careers throughout the skilled trades. However, with the demand at an all-time high for skilled tradespeople, Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) is committed to increasing awareness, reducing barriers and ensuring military-affiliated women and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community can find meaningful careers in the unionized construction industry. Helmets to Hardhats in undertaking this work with the support of the Office to Advance Women Apprentices (OAWA).

Today, on International Women’s Day, we recognize and celebrate the contributions of tradeswomen throughout Canada while aiming to empower the next generation of tradeswomen to enter the workforce. In recognition of this important day, H2H reaffirms their commitment and vital partnership to assist women in service in their search to find rewarding second careers in the skilled trades.

Through the Veterans and Family Well-Being Fund, administered by Veterans Affairs Canada, Helmets to Hardhats recruits and retrains marginalized groups, including women and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community, as apprentices within Canada’s 14 Building Trades Unions. This initiative has been ongoing since 2022 and has successfully registered 145 individuals from these marginalized communities. Helmets to Hardhats expects to surpass their goal of 150 diverse registrants by the end of March 2024.

As Canada is up against a tight timeline to counteract the aging demographic of the workforce, the construction industry needs to recruit 309,000 new workers over the next decade. Helmets to Hardhats knows that the military-affiliated community is an underutilized demographic crucial to filling these labour shortages. Employers will attest to the skills that the military community brings to the workforce, including leadership, time management and work ethic.

While Helmets to Hardhats fills career vacancies with trained, skilled, and reliable employees, they also aid in the successful transition, financial stability, and increased visibility of underrepresented groups within the skilled trades.

H2H strongly believes that the construction industry has a significant role to play in breaking down barriers and biases to ensure that all women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals have the chance to find success in the skilled trades. Our work today will pave the way for future generations of skilled tradespeople.

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The unionized construction industry has diverse career opportunities requiring a diverse workforce. Helmets to Hardhats is committed to supporting marginalized groups – Veterans, women, members of the LGBTQ2S+ community, and Indigenous peoples access the training they need to start and excel in a career in the skilled trades. Helmets to Hardhats will continue to advocate for the value added by all Veterans into the unionized construction industry.

I want to help others get started in a career that can support themselves and their families. Change is coming, and change is scary, but change is ok, and for me, change is welcome. There is a place for everyone to succeed and I want to be the change I would like to see in the world.

During my time in the military, I was unaware of the vast opportunities in the civilian world that would have been available to me after my service. At Helmets to Hardhats, I can promote and connect other Veterans to incredible and versatile careers in the skilled trades. Providing the military community with the knowledge they need to start a second successful career ensures all Veterans feel supported and empowered to enter their next chapter.

Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) promote careers in the skilled trades to members of the Canadian Cadet Organizations

Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) continues to promote in-demand and well-paying career opportunities within Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) to members of the Canadian military community. This summer, H2H expanded outreach initiatives to participants of the Canadian Cadet Program aged 16 to 18.

As Canada addresses labour availability issues across the country, Helmets to Hardhats is engaging with an untapped demographic of youth talent to support the unionized construction industry by building the workforce of tomorrow. By collaborating with the Canadian Armed Forces and the Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers Support Group leadership, Helmets to Hardhats visited 11 Cadet Camps across Canada to promote the opportunities for Cadet members within Canada’s 14 Building Trades Unions. Helmets to Hardhats connected with over 1,000 potential skilled trades employees of the future at Cadet Training Centres, such as:

• CTC Greenwood, CTC Gagetown and CTC Shearwater in Atlantic Canada
• CTC Valcartier, CTC Kingston, CTC Trenton, CTC Connaught and CTC Blackdown in Central Canada &
• CTC Comox and CTC Brandon in Western Canada.

Cadets are a valuable demographic to recruit into the skilled trades. There are approximately 52,000 Cadets across Canada, and 1/3 of them will be ready to enter the workforce when they finish high school. Cadets are also honing valuable skills that future employers within the unionized construction industry will appreciate. Throughout their time as a Cadet, they are taught leadership skills, develop an appreciation for health and safety and are instilled with the military values of excellence, discipline and physical fitness.

While BuildForce Canada estimates that the construction industry needs to recruit 299,200 new workers by 2032, Helmets to Hardhats understands the importance of promoting pathways to rewarding and life-long careers in the skilled trades to Canada’s youth.

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