Grant announced to support non-profit that helps Canadian Veterans

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on November 21, 2024.

news@medicinehatnews.com

The province has awarded a one-time $300,000 grant to Helmets to Hardhats to support its Pathway program designed for members and veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces who are looking to pursue apprenticeship education and training for in-demand trades jobs.

A total of 50 participants are expected to enrol in the 18-month Skilled Pathway program that will provide construction safety certification and supervisory training for job site readiness.

“With this program, we’re not only helping Alberta’s workforce gaps, but also offering military families a chance at fulfilling and sustainable careers in construction,” said Jim Hogarth, executive director with Helmets to Hardhats.

The non-profit was founded in 2012 to help veterans, reservists, senior cadets and Afghanistan interpreters and their families to reduce barriers and help transition into skilled trades careers.

“H2H builds civilian careers for the military community by simplifying the expediting the process for veterans to continue serving their communities, this time through the skilled trades and apprenticeship opportunities,” states the non-profits website.

Upon completion of the program each participant will become a member of a local Alberta trade union and will become an apprentice in their chosen field of skilled trade.

“This investment supports veterans, their families and our economy by creating pathways to new careers and helping address labour needs in the province,” states a press release issued Wednesday.

The province’s advanced education recognizes training and certifications offered by the Department of National Defence to allow members of the military to transition their skilled trades education into the workforce.

10
-9