The Alberta government is investing $300,000 to help military veterans transition into careers in the skilled trades through the Helmets to Hardhats program.
The one-time grant will support the Skilled Pathway program, which offers safety certification, personal protective equipment, supervisory training and employment referrals for service members seeking to enter Alberta’s designated trades.
“Having recently commemorated Remembrance Day, I want to emphasize the importance of supporting our veterans and service members throughout the entire year,” Advanced Education Minister Rajan Sawhney said. “I am excited to partner with Helmets to Hardhats to open new doors for Alberta’s service members, and I am confident that their hard work and dedication will translate seamlessly to post-service careers in the trades.”
Helmets to Hardhats is a Canadian non-profit organization that helps veterans, reservists and others in the military community bridge the gap between their military service and the demand for skilled labour.
“This initiative is a direct result of the Alberta government’s support, particularly Minister Sawhney, and it will have a profound impact on the lives of our veterans as they transition into second careers,” Jim Hogarth, national executive director of Helmets to Hardhats Canada, said. “With this program, we’re not only helping to fill Alberta’s workforce gaps, but also offering military families a chance at fulfilling and sustainable careers in construction.”
Upon completion of the one-year Skilled Pathway program, participants will become members of local Alberta trade unions and can pursue apprenticeships in skilled trades. The 18-month program aims to equip 50 participants with construction safety certification and supervisory training, with 40 intended to enter apprenticeship programs.
As Alberta’s economy continues to grow and diversify, the demand for skilled tradespeople is increasing, leading to opportunities for both employers and job seekers. This investment supports veterans and their families while helping address labour needs in the province’s skilled trades sector.
“The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers and Boilermakers Local Lodge 146 has had a longstanding partnership with Helmets to Hardhats, and we are pleased by this announcement from Minister Sawhney and Alberta’s government,” Mack Walker, business manager of Boilermakers Local Lodge 146, said. “We are proud to support the Canadian Armed Forces, and Helmets to Hardhats’ hard work in transitioning military personnel to a career in the trades is a welcome addition to unionized construction in Alberta.”
“IUOE 955 is very pleased to see the Alberta government provide support to the H2H Skilled Pathway program, which helps open the door to a rewarding career in the skilled trades for those who have bravely served our nation,” Chris Flett, business manager of IUOE 955, said. “Our union has been an active partner with Helmets to Hardhats for some time, and we’re honoured to be able to help skill up our veterans in the trades we operate in, which assists them transition into civilian life.”
Founded in 2012, Helmets to Hardhats assists veterans, reservists, senior cadets, Afghan interpreters and their families in transitioning into skilled careers in construction through partnerships with unions, government and industry.
Alberta Advanced Education recognizes training and certifications offered by the Department of National Defence, allowing members of Canada’s military to seamlessly transition their skilled trades education into Alberta’s workforce.
