Toronto, ON — Veterans looking for their next career may have found it in the skilled trades.
Ontario is investing $3 million over three years in Helmets to Hardhats Canada to help 650 active and former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members transition to civilian life by training them for careers in Ontario’s construction sector.
Helmets to Hardhats Canada is a registered non-profit organization that provides second career opportunities in the construction industry to those in the military community through tailored referral services, safety training and peer counselling for serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, veterans and military families.
“We owe our veterans, who have put their lives on the line in defence of our freedom, safety and values, a debt that we can never fully repay,” said Doug Ford, premier of Ontario.
Approximately 8,000 Canadian Armed Forces members are released from service every year, according to Ontario’s press release. This investment could help fill the labour shortage gap in Ontario’s employment.
Helmets to Hardhats Canada will also be able to deliver access to safety training and specialized certifications for in-demand careers and expand its outreach programs for racialized, Indigenous, and disabled veterans.