Helmets to Hardhats connects veterans to construction trades
This summer, Michigan lawmakers stood up for our veterans looking for work when they approved funding for a statewide program that helps our service men and women find jobs in the building trades.
The recently bolstered Helmets to Hardhats program is an effort to connect veterans with quality employment. By hosting recruitment and outreach activities to reach those who are departing the Armed Forces, the program helps connect veterans with apprenticeship programs that lead to good, dependable jobs in the building trades, including the Operating Engineers 324.
While Helmets to Hardhats has already been active in Michigan, this new funding will enhance current recruitment efforts and further assist military veterans in transition. Veterans – nationwide, from all ranks and branches of service – are able to use their GI Bill benefits to relocate to Michigan to pursue a career in the construction trades through this program.
Many veterans come to their operating engineers apprenticeship with the skill-sets, self-discipline and commitment to teamwork that make them stand out. They’re a great fit with the operating engineers – a group of highly-skilled and dedicated workers tasked with running and maintaining the heavy equipment needed to build Michigan’s infrastructure, as well as maintain heating and cooling systems in our buildings.
The demand for skilled tradespeople is high and growing. Michigan is seeing significant growth in infrastructure projects – repairing roads and bridges, new building construction, to installing new wind turbines, and beyond. Veterans can help us get the job done. We look forward to putting more of our nation’s veterans to work as Operating Engineers in jobs that make an impact every single day.
Doug Stockwell, business manager and general vice president
Operating Engineers 324