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into their ranks, largely because they are not afraid to work hard, “Today, we have a staff of four that travel across the country
and they have the skills and tenacity to handle the often-challenging regularly to meet with veterans, I am the only one from the private
working environments required for individuals in the trades.” sector at H2H, everyone else comes from the military so we have
a great blend of knowledge.”
The building and construction industry in Canada is an economic
growth leader. With changing demographics in Canada, influenced H2H works closely with the Canadian Forces to assist interested
in part by an aging work force and relatively low birth rate, there is individuals in making the transition into this exciting new career
an increasing demand for skilled labour across the nation. The opportunity. As such, H2H will work closely with the Base/Wing
demand is not limited to just the trades themselves, but also Personnel Selection Officer network to provide information on the
leadership positions (eg. foreman, general foreman, site manager) program, including through the Secondary Career Assistance
and specialty fields (eg. project management, engineering, logistics) Network (SCAN) seminars.
that are integral to the building and construction industry. Canada’s
“We have about 5200 veterans that leave the military each year,
Building Trades Unions and many Employers across Canada who
the majority of which are under 34-years of age. The only thing they
are stakeholders in supporting H2H recognize the valuable
know is military life, so they come into the private sector and it can
contribution that members of Canadian Forces (past and present)
be a culture shock. This program really assists those well-deserved
have made to our country, as well as the outstanding qualities and
vets to obtain a whole new career in the skilled trades,” said
experience that they offer, such as inter-personal skills, leadership
Maloney. “For me, it’s really quite simple, for what these women
abilities, professionalism, dedication, and a desire to pursue
and men do for us to protect our freedoms, this is just the right
continuous individual improvement. Furthermore, Unions and
thing to do.”
stakeholder employers are motivated to accommodate members
of the Canadian Forces (past and present) who may have physical Are you, or someone you know returning from serving our country
and/or mental challenges, recognizing that these same individuals and need to think about the next step?
offer many other great qualities and abilities.
Check out www.helmetstohardhats.ca to learn more.
“Canadian military veterans have been hired or accepted into a
union-sponsored apprenticeship in the over 60 different trades
available across the construction fabrication and manufacturing
industries,” continued Maloney.
Maloney worked for North America’s Building Trades Unions where
the H2H program was first introduced. He was then tasked with
bringing the H2H program to Canada.

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