Helmets to Hardhats eyes program expansion for veterans

The Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) program will expand nationally, with a major focus in Ontario where many work opportunities are available.

The expansion is called Pathways to Post Military Employment and is still in its very early stages.

“We’re going to expand the Helmets to Hardhats program to non-bargaining union apprenticeship systems for contractors that have need for administrative staff, planners, schedulers, logistics planners and security,” said Joe Maloney, founder and national executive director, H2H. “The expansion will also include reaching out to homeless veterans. We’re embarking on that now and working on unveiling it.”

H2H is a not-for-profit organization designed to provide opportunities for anyone who has served or is currently serving in either the regular or reserve force components of the Canadian Forces and is looking to transition into a civilian career. The program offers the apprenticeship training required to achieve journeyperson status in construction industry trades.

“The program was designed originally to assist veterans into construction industry apprenticeship programs for the unionized construction sector,” said Maloney. “We have about 300 registered contractors that are union contractors. We are opening it up to them to go internal to their office staff, people outside of the bargaining units.”

Maloney said H2H recently submitted an application to the provincial government to help expand the program in Ontario, specifically to reach out to homeless vets in the province.

Both the provincial and federal governments are very supportive of the H2H program, said Maloney. The feds recently approved a $160,000 grant through the Veterans Wellbeing Fund. Veterans Affairs Canada will provide the funding to improve the H2H program overall.

H2H will work with the Council of Ontario Construction Associations (COCA) to reach out to contractor associations and the Good Shepherd Ministries in Toronto to reach homeless veterans.

“There is a small, forgotten group of homeless vets in Toronto and we know through the Good Shepherd Ministries that there is a very disproportionate number of them. We want to reach out to them because some of them may have mental disorders but some of them may just be having bad luck,” Maloney explained. “We want to reach out and see if they are aware of the program and if they’re not, make them aware and offer them something because there is a huge demand for construction workers right now in the Toronto area.”

Brother David Lynch, executive director of Good Shepherd Ministries, said while the centre can provide shelter and accommodation, one of the challenges is connecting homeless veterans with job opportunities to get back on their feet and stay there.

“One of the problems we encounter is getting them back into stable employment,” said Lynch. “Now we can make referrals to an organization that helps them get some additional training and the skills they need for good paying jobs in construction with good benefits that will keep them stable. This was an additional step that was missing for us that will be very valuable to the people we care for.”

Maloney said they will also inform the veteran community and the military bases through Second Career Awareness Networking seminars.

COCA is supportive of the initiative.

“We’re optimistic the proposal will be accepted and a plan will be developed. We will be reaching out to our members, as best we can, to see if we can help them out and place some of these vets,” said COCA president Ian Cunningham.

“When you are in the military, they take care of a lot of the life skills. This program helps them get ready for their life after service. People with military experience have extraordinary discipline and lots to offer. Some trades will recognize the skills they’ve acquired in the military.”

Cunningham pointed out the H2H expansion can also help with the skills shortage.

“Helmets to Hardhats does great work, it’s a great program and the timing couldn’t be better,” added Cunningham. “The industry is operating at close to peak capacity… There is a real shortage, so we need all the help we can get.”