Ontario Helping Veterans Start New Careers in the Skilled Trades

by ahnationtalk on November 7, 202422 Views

November 07, 2024

TORONTO — The Ontario government 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. This investment will help fill a gap in Ontario’s employment and training resources, while addressing the unique needs and experiences of our military heroes.

“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 Premier Doug Ford. “Today’s announcement is just one way our government is working to give back, so veterans can transition from the armed forces to rewarding careers in the skilled trades with the support and training they need. This week, we also introduced the Honouring Veterans Act, 2024, to ensure we always remember the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform.”

With this investment, Helmets to Hardhats Canada will be able to expand job-ready skills training to more veterans and accelerate their pathways from active military service to apprenticeships in construction by two to three months. Helmets to Hardhats Canada will also be able to deliver access to critical safety training and specialized certifications for in-demand careers and expand their outreach programs for racialized and Indigenous Veterans and those with disabilities.

“We have a social contract with our military servicemen and women who protect our country and preserve our freedoms, which means we have a responsibility to ensure they have a civilian life to transition to when their service is complete,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “With around 8,000 Canadian Armed Forces members released from service every year, our government is proud to work with Helmets to Hardhats and unions to deliver job-ready training to veterans that leverages their expertise and experience, and lands them in a new career. Because a career in construction is more than a paycheque – it offers a stable future and a community of workers who have your back.”

The government also supports Helmets to Hardhats Canada through Ontario’s Skills Development Fund Training Stream, investing over $915,000 to open new pathways to 105 participants into Ontario’s unionized construction sector and develop customized training for senior cadets. This brings Ontario’s total investment in Helmets to Hardhats Canada to over $4.7 million.

The province is honouring veterans by working to expand provincial recognition, increase financial and community supports, and open more career pathways for veterans and military families, as part of the government’s proposed Honouring Veterans Act, 2024.

Quick Facts

Helmets to Hardhats Canada (legal name 8024499 Canada Association) 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. Helmets to Hardhats Canada has referred over 2,600 clients, including over 1,500 in Ontario alone, to unionized careers in construction. People interested in participating in their training programs are encouraged to contact Helmets to Hardhats Canada directly.
These investments also build on Ontario’s investment of $4.3 million through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream to deliver training to 356 Canadian Armed Forces members to prepare for in-demand jobs and transition to civilian life.
Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s SDF Training Stream has helped more than 600,000 workers train for in-demand sectors, including over 66,000 construction workers, over 92,000 manufacturing workers and over 36,000 personal support workers and health care workers.
The Skills Development Fund Training Stream is supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and Government of Ontario.
As the Government of Canada has unilaterally cut over $230 million annually from Ontario’s Labour Market Transfer Agreements, which supports employment and settlement service programs, Ontario continues to call for the federal government to reinstate this critical funding for Ontario workers and jobseekers.
The Soldiers’ Aid Commission helps Ontario’s veterans and their families in financial need cover essential costs related to housing, specialized equipment, mental health support, employment and more.

Quotes

“Our government acknowledges the bravery, courage and sacrifices made by veterans to protect and uphold our values, as well as defend our rights and freedoms. While we can never fully express our gratitude for their service, we are committed to making a greater effort to support and recognize them. Today’s investment is just one component of our government’s wider range of initiatives, spanning across multiple ministries, to better supporting veterans for their pivotal role in shaping both our nation’s past and future.”

– Graham McGregor

acting Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism

“Helmets to Hardhats Canada is honoured to receive this support from the Ontario government, which will allow us to help more Veterans transition into meaningful careers in Ontario’s unionized construction sector. This investment ensures that our programs remain sustainable, empowering those who served our country to access employment and training resources that will lead them to in-demand careers as a skilled trade professional. We are proud to support those who served our country as they build secure and rewarding futures in civilian life.”

– James Hogarth

Executive Director, Helmets to Hardhats

Additional Resources

Media Contacts

Grace Lee
Premier’s Office
Grace.Lee5@ontario.ca

Michel Figueredo
Minister Piccini’s Office
michel.figueredo@ontario.ca

Communications Branch
mlitsdmedialine@ontario.ca

NT5