HAMILTON, ON, Sept. 21, 2012 /CNW/ - The Helmets to Hardhats Canada Web site, dedicated to helping Veterans and men and women in uniform find jobs in the building and construction industry as they transition to civilian life, is now available. On behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for Halton, and representatives from Helmets to Hardhats Canada today highlighted the Web site in Hamilton.
"Our government is proud to be a partner and to deliver this new tool for Canadian Forces Veterans and construction employers, which is now online," said Minister Blaney. "Veterans and service men and women can now use this Web site to help connect their expertise and skills with available construction jobs and apprenticeships across the country."
"Veterans continue to tell us that finding a meaningful career is one of their most important goals when they leave the military," said Minister Raitt. "The Helmets to Hardhats Canada program can help to connect Veterans to a rewarding career. The Harper Government is proud to support this valuable tool for Canada's men and women in uniform."
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 helmetstohardhats.ca/en/employers.htm./.
"This new Web site is a significant milestone in advancing the Helmets to Hardhats Canada program. It provides a wealth of information on the program, but also serves 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."
"I am very pleased to see the federal and provincial governments partnering with contractors and building trades in the construction industry in lending our support for Helmets to Hardhats. By working together, we can achieve rewarding career outcomes for our veterans whose participation will certainly strengthen our industry," said Patrick Dillon, Business Manager of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario.
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.
For more information on the Helmets to Hardhats Canada program, visit helmetstohardhats.ca, call 613-238-2300 or, toll free, 1-855-238-9707.
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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