Helmets to Hardhats: A New Partnership for Office to Advance Women Apprentices

The Office to Advance Women Apprentices is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) Canada, a registered not-for-profit organization helping serving, transitioning, and former Canadian Forces members to find new careers in the trades.

“Our office offers services all women looking for careers in the trades, but this partnership will help us zone in on women in service, as well as offer them additional services through the Helmets to Hardhats program – especially if they are out there on their own and not knowing what’s available to them or what direction to go in,” says Office to Advance Women Apprentices Executive Director Karen Walsh. 

Strong Skills in Service

In 2012 Helmets to Hardhats Canada began to advocate and refer Canadian Armed Forces reservists and Veterans to opportunities in the skilled trades. Helmets to Hardhats recognizes the valuable skill sets of military personnel – not the least of which include dedication, loyalty, leadership, and teamwork – gained by Veterans or reservists.  

Like the Office to Advance Women Apprentices, Helmets to Hardhats works with Canada’s Building Trades Unions as well as employers to connect them with qualified apprentices and ensure they receive only the best industry wages and benefits. In addition, the Helmets to Hardhats program is recognized as a leading service provider by the Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans Affairs Canada, and Canada’s 14 Building Trade Unions, along with leading industry business owners.  

Unlimited Potential

According to Statistics Canada, there are just over 461,000 Veterans in Canada, with more than 8,000 regular force and reservists who leave service annually.  

“Transitioning from military service is a difficult period, where Helmets to Hardhats has established a credible process that refers patrons to quality post-service careers,” says the organizations’ website. Helmets to Hardhats  offers services from advice on how to transfer military training for civilian credentials, resume help and advocacy work for apprenticeships.  

Helmets to Hardhats has referred more than 2,500 clients to opportunities for apprenticeships and direct hires in Canada’s construction industry.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Helmets to Hardhats,” Walsh says. “Together we can assist you to start or advance in your career in the skilled trades throughout Canada.”

If you’re an employer looking to hire or a current or former member of the Canadian Armed Forces you can register with Helmets to Hardhats or check out available apprenticeships on their secure job bank.  

For more information about the partnership or how either organization can help you, you can get in touch with any of the locations of the Office to Advance Women Apprentices in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, or Saskatchewan.

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