First Helmets to Hardhats Candidate Receives Award
Laborers’ Recognize Steve Fox
On October 30th, Steve Fox, Member of Laborers' Local 300 in Los Angeles, CA received an award
to recognize his discipline, and professionalism. Mr. Fox, who became a Journeyman Laborer in 2004,
was the first candidate placed nationally from the Helmets to Hardhats program. The award, which
celebrates the contributions of veterans, was presented at a contractors' luncheon held at the
Laborers' Training School in Azusa, California. Signatory and non-signatory contractors were in
attendance.
Revelation of the award caught Mr. Fox off-guard. He says, "I'm a hard worker and I’m treated
very well by my company." Sgt. Steve Fox spent four years in the Marine Corps before he came to
Local 300. Mr. Fox notes, "A lot carries over from the military, a lot of the leadership skills."
Says Mike Rubio, Southern California Laborers' Apprenticeship Senior Coordinator, "[The
award] is a great honor and Laborers' Local 300 is very proud of having Steve Fox become the first
Helmets to Hardhats candidate to graduate from an apprenticeship program in the United States." The
award, chosen by Local 300 Business Manager, Sergio Rascon, celebrates Steve Fox's efforts during
the apprenticeship program.
Mr. Fox was promoted to foreman half way into his apprenticeship and is still a foreman
today. In this high-pressure position, he orders materials, meets payroll, and keeps the job site
running on-schedule. Says Mike Rubio, "Steve Fox is helpful to other apprentices. He is a mentor."
Mr. Fox looks forward to learning more about the construction business through the supervisor
courses offered by the training school. His goal is to move up in his company, Rudolph &
Sletten where he works on hospitals, schools, commercial and public works construction job sites.
Helmets to Hardhats candidates are placed in apprenticeships in many ways. Mr. Fox found his
apprenticeship through the California EDD (Employment Development Department). Other candidates
attend job fairs where they meet our Regional Directors. If you are a military service member or
veteran interested in a career in the building and construction trades, go to the Helmets to
Hardhats website (www.helmetstohardhats.org) to locate
apprenticeships. Regional Directors are available to assist throughout the entire process.
