Army Reserve Soldiers gain job opportunities

Washington — The U.S. Army Reserve has launched a partnership, under the Army Reserve Employer Partnership Initiative, with Helmets to Hardhats, a nonprofit program that connects America's military service members with career opportunities in the building and construction trades. This joint venture will enable each organization to recruit highly skilled employees, support military families and contribute to a stronger national economy.

Through this partnership, Army Reserve Soldiers will gain opportunities for employment in the construction industry and the chance to learn a skilled trade through federally approved apprenticeship-training programs. The Army Reserve and Helmets to Hardhats will work together to recruit and train qualified Soldier candidates.

“I'm pleased to begin this partnership with Helmets to Hardhats, an organization that has been a great friend to the military,” said Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, Chief, Army Reserve. “I look forward to collaborating with our newest valued partner to achieve mutual goals to attract, develop and retain a quality workforce. This is a natural partnership because Army Reserve Soldiers are well trained and have the appropriate skill set for the building and construction industry.”

“Helmets to Hardhats is excited to have this opportunity to help bring the Army Reserve; the Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO; America's Building Trades Unions; and the nation's leading construction contractor associations together in support of America's Citizen Soldiers and their families,” said Darrell Roberts, executive director, Helmets to Hardhats.

The Employer Partnership Initiative establishes a process whereby employers and the Army Reserve secure and share the talents of trained professionals. Partners, like Helmets to Hardhats, benefit by receiving greater access to men and women with Army values, knowledge and proven leadership skills.

The Army Reserve provides trained and ready units to complement the Army, ready to perform their mission during peacetime, overseas contingencies and war. Soldiers are highly skilled full-time patriots whom civilian employers share with the Army Reserve. The value the Army Reserve brings to America is embodied in these professional men and women who possess the skills and capabilities that can be used on the battlefield and in the civilian sector. The Army Reserve is a reservoir of trained and experienced professionals.

Today, roughly 206,000 Army Reserve Soldiers in units across the country stand ready to serve the Nation when called upon.

Helmets to Hardhats is a free, nonprofit program that connects National Guard, Reserve, retired and transitioning active-duty military members with career training and employment opportunities in the construction industry.

Helmets to Hardhats is administered by the Center for Military Recruitment, Assessment and Veterans Employment, a joint labor-management committee sponsored by the Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO; 15 building and construction trades unions, and nine construction contractor associations representing more than 80,000 employers in the construction industry.

Military personnel interested in a career in the construction industry can register with Helmets to Hardhats online at www.helmetstohardhats.org.