Helmets to Hardhats gives vets a chance as pipefitters

United Association (UA) Local 597

Like many American veterans returning home after serving a lengthy tour of duty, Navy E5 Robert Guardiola spent years following his 2004 discharge trying to find a well-paying job.

"It's been somewhat hard to find a job since I got out," he said. "I had the training in the military, but I didn't go to school."

Guardiola's luck changed one day when he happened upon the Web site for Helmets to Hardhats, a program designed by America's Building and Construction Trades Unions, the U.S. Department of Defense and Monster.com to help give returning military personnel apprenticeships as pipefitters.

On Saturday morning, Guardiola was one of 14 new apprentices introduced into the program's 2007 class during a news conference at the Pipe Fitters Training Center Local 597, 10850 W. 187th St. in Mokena.

"Going from the military to the union is an awesome transition," he said. "It's good to get out of the military and start a career right away and have benefits similar to those I had in the military."

New apprentice Craig Miller, who served in the Navy from 2002 to 2006, found out about the program through his uncle, who works in the trades.

"This is a great opportunity," he said. "I was working down in the engine room on the ships. You know -- pipes, valves, all that kinds of stuff. So this is really similar."

Miller said jobs for veterans are out there only if one looks for them.

"Getting a post-military career really all depends on how you put yourself out there," he said. "I know some people, when they get out, they just want to take some time off, and they end up getting lazy. If you come out and want to do something, I think it's pretty easy."

Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, who spoke at the conference, said the program organizers hope to make the task of finding a quality career easier for returning veterans.

"(These military personnel) served their country and did us all proud," he said. "In returning home, we don't want (them) to have to fight for a job. (They) already fought for our country. It's our duty on the home front to take good care of those who've worn the banner."

Quinn said although the Mokena training facility is the best of its kind he's seen in the state, the pipefitters themselves are the driving force behind the success of the program.

"The heart and soul of the pipefitters are those who practice the trade," he said. "It's especially important ... that those who have given service to our country, who wore the uniform of the United States of America, get an opportunity to learn this trade. And that's the essence of Helmets to Hardhats."

By Jason Freeman Correspondent

For more information on Helmets to Hardhats, visit www.helmetstohardhats.org.