The Alberta government is investing $300,000 into the Helmets to Hardhats Skilled Pathway program, a non-profit initiative designed to help veterans, reservists, and military personnel transition into careers in the skilled trades. The program addresses Alberta’s growing demand for skilled labor by offering military service members access to apprenticeship education, safety certification, personal safety equipment, supervisory training, and employment referrals. It prepares participants for entry-level and supervisory roles in Alberta’s designated trades.

Minister of Advanced Education, Rajan Sawhney, emphasized the importance of year-round support for veterans and expressed confidence in their ability to excel in the trades. Jim Hogarth, Helmets to Hardhats Canada’s national executive director, highlighted the dual benefits of addressing labor shortages while offering fulfilling careers to military families.

Participants who complete the one-year program will join Alberta’s trade unions and pursue apprenticeships in skilled trades. The initiative, expected to benefit 50 participants, will help reduce barriers for veterans transitioning to civilian life, supporting both Alberta’s workforce needs and the economic stability of military families.

Several trade organizations, including IUOE 955 and Boilermakers Local Lodge 146, expressed strong support for the program, citing its critical role in aiding veterans’ transition to rewarding careers and strengthening unionized construction in Alberta. This investment aligns with Alberta’s focus on filling labor gaps while providing sustainable career pathways for veterans.

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