OTTAWA, Sept. 18, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and Brigadier-General (Retired) Gregory Matte, Executive Director of Helmets to Hardhats Canada, today officially launched the Helmets to Hardhats Canada Web site. The Web site is dedicated to helping Veterans and men and women in uniform find jobs in the building and construction industry as they transition to civilian life.
"Canada's Veterans and service men and women are known around the world for their skills, qualities and expertise. These are the same skills needed by so many employers across the country and that is why this program is so important," said Minister Blaney. "Helmets to Hardhats Canada will help to connect these remarkable individuals with quality apprenticeships and well paid, rewarding career opportunities that they deserve after serving their country with dignity and pride."
Helmets to Hardhats Canada is a Web-based program that offers access to career postings. Individuals can now register at helmetstohardhats.ca and click the "Apply Now" button to create an account. Employers who are interested in advertising a position can register at recruiter.helmetstohardhats.ca/.
"Today's event is a significant milestone in advancing the Helmets to Hardhats program. This new Web site will not only provide a wealth of information on the program, but will also serve as the means to match Veterans and transitioning men and women in uniform with exciting opportunities for a new, civilian career in the building and construction trades industry," said BGen (Ret) Gregory Matte, Executive Director, Helmets to Hardhats Canada. "As a retired senior officer who enjoyed a wonderful career in the Canadian Forces, I see this as an opportunity for me to assist the dedicated men and women of the Canadian Forces in making a smooth transition into a new and rewarding career."
Employees of Helmets to Hardhats are former men and women in uniform who can help Veterans translate how their military skills and experience meet civilian job requirements. Assistance can also be provided to arrange apprenticeship training to achieve journeyperson certification in more than 60 trades in the building and construction industry.
"UN-NATO Veterans Canada is grateful for Veterans' Affairs Canada's efforts to offer these employment opportunities in the construction industry to our Veterans. We applaud the Government of Canada for this initiative," said Reno St-Germain, President of the UN-Nato Veterans Association.
For more information on the Helmets to Hardhats Canada program, visit helmetstohardhats.ca, call 613-238-2300 or, toll free, 1-855-238-9707.
Image with caption: "Ottawa - To unveil the Web site for Helmets to Hardhats Canada (H2HC) today, CF members and construction workers joined Dr. Robert Blakeley, Board of Directors, H2HC; Mr. Joe Maloney, Chairman of the Board, H2HC; Minister of Veterans Affairs Steven Blaney; and BGen (retd) Gregory Matte, Executive Director, H2HC. (CNW Group/Veterans Affairs Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120918_C7468_PHOTO_EN_18024.jpg
SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada
Media inquiries:
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
BGen (Ret'd) Greg Matte
Executive Director
Helmets to Hardhats Canada
613-238-2300
Jean-Christophe de le Rue
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649
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