A Helmets to Hardhats Success Story

Gregory Devlin

Gregory Devlin served his country as a Spanish linguist in the U.S. Marine Corps.  After recently transitioning out of the military, Gregory signed up for the "Helmets to Hardhats" program...selecting a career path in the International Union of Elevator Constructors' apprenticeship training program.

"I think being in the military teaches you skills that are the same in every job you will ever have," said Devlin. "Showing up on time ready to work, and the skills to look at a problem, think logically about it, plan a solution, and then carry it out."

Gregory is just one of the thousands of National Guard, Reservists, and transitioning active-duty military veterans who have embarked this year upon a path to a lucrative and rewarding career as a skilled crafts person in the building and construction industry. The "Helmets to Hardhats" program exists to connect these brave men and women with quality career training and employment opportunities in the construction industry.

When asked what prompted him to enter the "Helmets to Hardhats" program, Gregory replied, "I have family members in many trades — carpenters, masons, pipe fitters, electricians, and elevator constructors — but it was elevators that always interested me. I remember as a little kid asking my Uncle Joe about elevators and escalators…how they work, how to build them, [and] how they fixed them."

Here's to Gregory and all the others who have given so much for our country. The "Helmets to Hardhats" program is just a way for the entire American construction industry — both contractors and unions — to say "thank you"…and to provide a path to a stable and secure future for our military personnel.