Allison Balanc, Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) Digital and Social Media Coordinator, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the organization’s purpose and its accomplishments by helping military personnel successfully transition to civilian life through a career in the building trades.
H2H is a non-profit organization established by the Center for Military Recruitment, Assessment and Veterans Employment. The organization helps active-duty military members, veterans, National Guard and Reservists transition into successful civilian careers in the construction industry. Since 2003, H2H has assisted nearly 50,000 military personnel into civilian careers in the building trades, said Balanc. They partner with building trades unions, whose registered apprenticeship programs utilize the earn while you learn model to train veterans for their new careers.
To assist military personnel with their transition into a civilian career, H2H uses a closed network job board known as JobPath. Balanc explained how JobPath connects transitioning military personnel to nearly 3,000 building trades unions, roughly 82,000 signatory contractors and registered apprenticeship opportunities. In the past two years, she explained, the number of career-seeking military personnel using the job board has nearly doubled from 9,000 to 18,000.
To spread awareness about the program’s success, H2H created the H2Hero Social Media Initiative. Balanc explained how the initiative tells the story of a participant’s journey from the military to the trades, which is a testament to the resilience and determination of that individual. Through the H2Hero Initiative, H2H hopes to deepen its bond with the military community and inspire others. Balanc added that each participant who shares their story earns a chance to win a free toolkit from Milwaukee Tool, DeWalt or Klein.
Please listen to the show above for more information on Helmets to Hardhats.