Construction industry, Building Trades, H2H receive praise
THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, the Building Trades, and Helmets to Hardhats were among various organizations recognized by First Lady Michelle Obama Feb. 10 at the Department of Labor for their efforts to match military veterans with good jobs.
The event was billed as the first-ever “Veterans’ Employment in Construction Symposium.” Some 300 people were present for the announcement, including Marty Spencer, Administrator of the Boilermakers National Apprenticeship Program.
Ms. Obama used the event to announce an initiative in which over 100 construction industry organizations have pledged to provide 100,000 jobs for veterans over the next five years. She and Dr. Jill Biden advocate for veterans through their “Joining Forces” program.
“The BCTD, and the Boilermakers in particular, know the value of the alliance between the military and union apprenticeship training,” said Spencer. “Camaraderie, chain of command, respect, personal responsibility, team orientation, and brotherhood are attributes both entities share.”
In fact, the Boilermakers have had major involvement with Helmets to Hardhats over the years. Western Canada International Vice President Joe Maloney, serving as BCTD Secretary-Treasurer in 2000, spearheaded the program in the United States. He also led the effort to bring H2H to Canada in 2012.
