About US

Helmets to Hardhats is a national, nonprofit program that connects National Guard, Reserve, retired and transitioning active-duty military service members with skilled training and quality career opportunities in the construction industry. The program is designed to help military service members successfully transition back into civilian life by offering them the means to secure a quality career in the construction industry.

 

Most career opportunities offered by the program are connected to federally-approved apprenticeship training programs.  Such training is provided by the trade organizations themselves at no cost to the veteran.  No prior experience is needed; in fact, most successful placements start with virtually no experience in their chosen field.  All participating trade organizations conduct three to five year earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship training programs that teach service members everything they need to know to become a construction industry professional with a specialization in a particular craft.  And, because these apprenticeship programs are regulated and approved at both federal and state levels, veterans can utilize their Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits to supplement their income while they are learning  valuable skills and on the job training.

 

In 2007, Helmets to Hardhats supplemented its existing program with a disabled American veteran program known as the “Wounded Warrior” program, which serves to connect disabled veterans with employment opportunities in the construction industry and the careers that support construction.

 

 

FAQs

Resources

CAREER VS. JOB

 

Are you looking for a job, or are you looking for a career? If you’re looking for a career, you’re in the right place. Helmets to Hardhats places quality men and women from the Armed Forces into promising building and construction careers.

Acceptance into the building and construction trades is your first step to a great future. Careers in these trades enable you to earn while you learn and get rewarded for hard work. Being a member in the building and construction trades entitles you to competitive salaries with consistent raises, pension plans, excellent medical benefits and flexibility when it comes to taking time off.

 

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

 

Most candidates will enter an apprenticeship program where they learn a trade through on-the-job training supplemented by classroom instruction at state-of-the-art training facilities. Typically, there is no charge for the training and you will be paid for the time you are working. The pay you receive from an employer can be supplemented by education benefits under the G.I. Bill, adding hundreds more dollars each month to your take home pay. An apprentice’s pay increases periodically over the course of the job, and as the apprentice becomes more skilled. Many apprenticeship programs have arrangements allowing individuals to obtain college credit for classroom work. Upon graduation, you will become a journeyman — a craftsperson recognized for his or her knowledge and ability in the selected trade. In some cases your military experience can give you credit towards journeyman status and allow you to enter an apprenticeship program at an advanced level or be classified as a journeyman immediately.

 

BENEFITS OF JOINING A CERTIFIED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

 

• High pay, great medical insurance and some of the best pension plans in the nation.

• High quality training at well-resourced training centers that are recognized by Regional Education Certifying Councils and Boards.

• Use your Montgomery GI Bill or other veteran educational benefits.

• Earn while you learn. Receive on the job training and get top notch classroom instruction.

 

 

ABOUT VETERANS IN PIPING

The Veterans in Piping (VIP) program offers high-quality skills training and jobs in the pipe trades to US veterans and active duty military personnel preparing to leave the service. UA General President William P. Hite established the program as a means of addressing two important issues: 1. A growing shortage in the construction industry of skilled workers due to the combined effects of an aging workforce, increased demand, and lack of skills training for youth; and 2. An exceedingly high unemployment rate for US veterans, despite their being a disciplined and highly trainable population.

 

Military and government officials have lauded VIP as a model in workforce development. Participants enroll in accelerated 18-week courses in welding and/or HVACR service, both fields experiencing an increased demand for skilled workers. They also earn industry-recognized certifications as a part of their education. Upon graduation, VIPs gain direct entry into UA apprenticeship, leading to lifelong career opportunities. All training is paid for entirely by the UA and its industry partners at NO cost to participants. For more information visit the UA’s website at http://www.uavip.org/.

 

 

WOUNDED WARRIOR

Helmets to Hardhats recognizes the supreme sacrifice that our Veterans have made for this country. The Wounded Warrior program supports disabled Veterans by providing the tools, information and community that will help Veterans gain careers in the Building and Construction Trades. Disabled Veterans may apply for and demonstrate their ability to perform any job listed on the Helmets to Hardhats website. However, the Wounded Warrior program lists construction careers that employers have specifically identified as potentially suitable for disabled veterans.

THE WOUNDED WARRIOR PROGRAM

Find links to Veterans benefits, resources and support.

 

For 24/7 family support, contact:

Military Severely Injured Center

1-888-774-1361

 

DCoE Outreach Center For Psychological Health & Traumatic Brain Injury

1-866-966-1020

 

Find Valuable Information on these Government Sites:

 

o TRICARE

o GI Bill

o VA Loans

o PTSD Support

o Benefits

o Health Care

o Appeals

o Military OneSource (Call: 1-800-342-9647)

o Military Homefront

o Job Accommodations

o Vocational Rehabilitation