Helmets to Hardhats Candidate Lands a Job at Disney
A Dream Come True
"Scott Bennett called me unsure of what he wanted to do," explained Phil Ganley, regional
representative for the Helmets to Hardhats program. "Scott had just gotten out of the military,
didn't have many civilian skills, and was looking for something in Florida. He wanted a solid
career where he could take care of a family."
"I got laid off from my job," explained Bennett. "I was working as a salesmen making really
good money for a start-up company selling housing construction material...We did really good for
the first couple years but then the economy started crashing and eventually the place went under."
Bennett got on the Internet and found the Helmets to Hardhats program. He was connected with
Ganley and told him that he was looking for a solid career, with good job security. "Phil asked
what I thought about Walt Disney World," explained Bennett, "and I said, sounds good to me!"
For Bennett, working at Walt Disney was a dream come true because of the number of jobs
available and the weather, which is more temperate than his home state of West Virginia. "Phil told
me they work year ‘round and that layoffs are rare," explained Bennett. "He pointed me in the right
direction and made it really easy for me. I was open-minded and was excited to work in a solid
career."
Ganley put Bennett in touch with the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union in Orlando Florida,
where he met Joe Mills, State Organizer for Local 803. "We do all we can to help people like
Scott," Mills explained. "He wanted to go to Disney, and I said I'll do all I can to get you
there."
Mills, a military veteran himself, was eager to place Bennett and took the time to show him
the ropes. "I was a plumber in the service...got out in 1973. I give vets preferential treatment if
I can. When Scott came down I showed him all around Disney," he said. "He flew down the day
before...went for an interview with us and then had one with Disney the next day," Mills explained.
Mills understands the lay of the land at Disney parks and resorts because prior to his
position as State Organizer, he worked there for 16 years. "I was there 16 years and would have
been another 16 if I hadn’t taken this position," he said.
According to Mills, the Disney Corporation is the perfect place to work, combining stable job
security with good company perks. Mills, who worked at the park as a gas utilities technician, has
seen the natural gas system within the park expand from 30 to 60 miles. "I told Bennett (who is 28)
that he’ll be there until he’s 168. Disney never shrinks," he said.
In fact, according to Mills, he is now looking to place 30 new apprentices at Disney in the
upcoming year. "65,000 people work out there," he explained, "we are just a fraction of what it
takes to run the show. There are 425 plumbers and HVAC workers, of which about 50-60 are
apprentices."
Mills also talked about the variety of opportunities that are available at Disney. As an
apprentice, he explained, you move to a different location every year. "Disney has a wonderful
apprenticeship committee, they arrange for you to rotate between the 4 theme parks and resorts so
you can be exposed to different machinery and management."
There are other hidden perks, as well. "You get free admission to the park for you and your
family - you get sick days and holidays. And it was wonderful for my family because you are at
Disney World every day," Mills explained.
Talking about the apprenticeship program, Mills explained that the local unions provide a
good foundation, for those like Bennett, who might not be familiar with the trade, but are able to
learn quickly. "We regularly supply workers to Disney," he said, "They earn while they work at
Disney and go to school at the local Union Hall two nights a week."
According to Mills, education is an important part of what the unions do. "If they don't have
the skills, it doesn't matter, we can teach them. But they have to be able to troubleshoot and fix
it when something goes wrong," he said. "If you are mechanically inclined this is a great trade,
you will always have a job and our schools are second to none."
Looking forward to starting his steady career in Florida this August, Bennett is excited for
the opportunity and offers this advice to future candidates: "Even if you don't think you are a
skilled trades worker, you should still go talk to Helmets to Hardhats because you might be
surprised. I never thought I would be working as a plumber, pipe fitter, and HVAC tradesmen." From
his perspective, "it's worth giving it a try" especially for those looking for a steady profession.
Also, many veterans are unaware that they can use their Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) for
apprenticeship and on-the-job training courses. Generally, benefits are payable for up to 36 months
and can be accessed for 10 years following release from active duty.
However, because "Helmets to Hardhats" enrollees have their training paid for by the union
apprenticeship program, veterans may be able to use their Montgomery GI Bill benefits for other
purposes, such as general living expenses, during the apprenticeship period.
For more information about Helmets to Hardhats, please contact your Regional Director or call 866-741-6210.
