Boston – Local Massachusetts unions, veterans, elected officials and program leaders gathered recently to honor the bravery of veterans across the Commonwealth and kick off National Apprenticeship Week. Together, the unions donated more than $50,000 to the Helmets to Hardhats program, which provides support and resources to veterans pursuing careers after their military service.
Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones spoke at the event.
Helmets to Hardhats is a national nonprofit created by North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) whose mission is to connect National Guard, Reserve, and transitioning active-duty military members with meaningful, family-sustaining careers in union building trades. “Helmets to Hardhats provided me a streamlined experience to acquire a career in union construction and provided me with a secured future aimed towards success,” said Joseph Cruz, a veteran and member of Laborers’ Local Union 22 who spoke at the event.
“We are honored to work with Helmets to Hardhats to provide great, family-sustaining career opportunities for our returning veterans,” said Frank Callahan, president of Massachusetts Building Trades Unions. “These brave men and women gave so much to protect our country. For that, we are grateful. There will always be a place in the building trades for these veterans who epitomize sacrifice, selflessness, discipline, honor and commitment. They embody the values of our unions.”
