Helmets To Hardhats Job Fair Benefits Veterans in Chicago
Promising Post-Military Careers
CHICAGO, IL - Hundreds of veterans attended a job fair designed to match military veterans with promising post-military careers. The event was held at Chicago's Navy Pier on Tuesday and sponsored by the Helmets to Hardhats program (www.helmetstohardhats.org). This national program connects National Guard, Reserve and transitioning active-duty military members with quality career training and employment opportunities within the building and construction industry.
At the event was a press conference featuring Illinois Lt. Governor Pat Quinn, Teamsters Local 786 President Mike Yauger, Helmets to Hardhats National Executive Director Darrel Roberts, Building & Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO President Edward C. Sullivan, and International Brotherhood of Teamsters Vice President Cheryl Johnson.
During his comments, Illinois Lt. Governor Pat Quinn talked about the importance of finding great careers for these returning servicemen and women. He shared personal stories of the difference that Helmets to Hardhats is making in the state of Illinois.
Many of the leaders at the event were themselves veterans. "As a Vietnam veteran myself, I know how hard it was for me to transition from the military to civilian life. We want veterans to know they are not alone...that programs such as Helmets to Hardhats stand ready to assist them with their transition," said Mike Yauger, President of International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 786 in Chicago (www.chicagoteamsters.org) - a primary sponsor of the job fair.
The career fair had immediate positions available through many corporate partners, along with opportunities for entry into a vast array of union skilled trades apprenticeship programs. "Helmets to Hardhats is about standing up for what's right," said Darrell Roberts, the program's National Executive Director. "These folks served our country with honor and distinction...and no one deserves a better opportunity for a solid and rewarding career than they do."
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About Helmets to Hardhats
The program helps servicemembers and military veterans put their training to use as they transition to jobs in the building and construction trades. Launched in January 2003 with funding from the Defense Department, Helmets to Hardhats provides an important link between veterans and soon-to-be veterans and 15 building and construction trades organizations clambering for their skills. Collectively, these organizations represent three million construction workers and about 82,000 contractors nationwide. The program is run by the Center for Military Recruitment, Assessment, and Veterans Employment, a joint labor management committee created by the BCTD and various other employer associations.
