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By rdnewsNOW staff

Provincial Politics

Alberta government assisting Canadian Armed Forces members build careers in the trades

Nov 22, 2024 | 8:53 AM

Alberta’s government says it is investing $300,000 to help veterans ready to re-enter civilian life transition to careers in the skilled trades.

The investment will be put towards a program called Helmets to Hardhats, a non-profit organization that helps veterans, reservists and others in the military community, bridge the gap between their military service and the province’s growing demand for skilled labour.

Government officials say this one-time grant will support the Helmets to Hardhats Skilled Pathway program, which is designed for service members who wish to pursue apprenticeship education and a career in one of Alberta’s designated trades. The program offers safety certification, personal safety equipment, supervisory training and employment referrals for service members who do not have existing training, certification or backgrounds in the trades, and prepares participants for entry-level roles and supervisory positions.

“Having recently commemorated Remembrance Day, I want to emphasize the importance of supporting our veterans and service members through the entire year,” said Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education, in a press release this week. “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.”

“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,” added Jim Hogarth, national executive director, Helmets to Hardhats Canada. “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.”

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Upon completion of the one-year Skilled Pathway Program, officials say each participant will become a member of a local Alberta trade union, going on to become an apprentice in one of Alberta’s skilled trades.

According to the government, there is a rising demand for skilled tradespeople, leading to many opportunities. Officials say this investment supports veterans, their families and the economy by creating pathways to new careers and helping address labour needs in Alberta.

The Skilled Pathway program is expected to reduce barriers for veterans, reservists and other jobseekers from the military community, allowing them to answer Alberta’s demand for skilled labour while they find rewarding careers to support their families.

“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,” shared Chris Flett, business manager, IUOE 955. “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.”

“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,” said Mack Walker, business manager, Boilermakers Local Lodge 146. “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.”

The 18-month program is expected to equip a total of 50 participants entering into construction safety certification and supervisory training for jobsite readiness, with 40 participants intended to enter apprenticeship programs.