Helmets to Hardhats

Program helps Canada’s soldiers build construction careers 

A national organization dedicated to helping Canada’s soldiers make the transition from active service to rewarding careers in the construction industry has been launched with help from the Government of Alberta.

Approximately 5,200 men and women – on active service, disabled or in the reserves – leave the military each year in Canada. The Helmets to Hardhats website will enhance job placement and training efforts already provided by the Canadian Forces and Veterans Affairs. The website is expected to go live this spring.

Veterans will be able to register for the free service from anywhere at any time to view and apply for openings posted by up to 100,000 Canadian construction contractors and 14 relevant trade unions. The site will focus on matching qualified ex-soldiers with construction job opportunities and apprenticeship programs across Canada.

Alberta already recognizes Certificates of Military Achievement as equivalent to a trade certificate in 10 trades related to the construction, transportation and hospitality sectors.

Helmets to Hardhats opportunities are not limited to on-site construction jobs or apprenticeships. Job openings in administration, engineering, human resources and other skills will also be posted.

In addition to funding from the provincial government, the Helmets to Hardhats program is being supported by TransCanada Corporation and the federal government.