U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard Join Helmets to Hardhats Program

by Mike Hall, Jul 11, 2009

The U.S. Army Reserve and the National Guard have joined the Helmets to Hardhats program, founded in 2003 by AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department (BCTD) unions, together with employers with union workforces. The Army Reserve and National Guard now join the current partners of the Helmets to Hardhats program: the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard.

Helmets to Hardhats has helped more than 5,000 military vets find new careers as electricians, plumbers, roofers and other skilled trades. BCTD President Mark Ayers told Workers Independent News (WIN) that the new agreement presents

an extraordinary opportunities for all the military folks. And it’s an opportunity for us because these are the kind of people that we are seeking. They’re the best of the best in America as far as we’re concerned.

Helmets to Hardhats helps match vets and soon-to-be vets with apprenticeship and training programs offered by the BCTD’s 15 unions. Veterans can use their G.I. Bill education benefits as they complete the certified apprentice programs. Darrel Roberts, executive director of Helmets to Hardhats, says the program

is unique in that it was created with the singular intent of helping National Guard, Reservists and transitioning active-duty military members connect to career opportunities in the construction industry, one of the last bastions of solid middle-class wages for working Americans. Helmets to Hardhats recognizes this and is committed to placing veterans in careers that provide family-supporting wages, good benefits and a decent chance at realizing the American dream.

Army Reserve Lt. General Jack Stultz says:

now a soldier looking out and seeing this happening can say, Hey, I can have a career in the military and a career in civilian life.

Plumbers and Pipe Fitters (UA) President Bill Hite says many veterans have come to the plumbers through Helmets to Hardhats. He told WINS:

It’s been a great program. We’ve taken in thousands of members though the program….It’s the right thing to do. They’re over there and the soldiers are in Iraq and Afghanistan and all over the globe protecting our freedom and it’s the least we could do to give back to them.

For more information on Helmets to Hardhats, click here.

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