Two non-profit groups have joined forces in an effort to bring more Indigenous veterans into the skilled trades.

Helmets to Hardhats and Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones (AVA) recently signed a memorandum of understanding that will help ensure that Indigenous veterans across Canada are aware of the opportunities available to them in the skilled trades through Helmets to Hardhats.

Helmets to Hardhats is a national non-profit organization that supports the Canadian military community in finding meaningful careers in the skilled trades. AVA, meanwhile, is a nationally incorporated organization that represents the interests of Canadian Aboriginal veterans and serves members of Aboriginal descent.

The groups aim to create awareness campaigns and promoting their services, including a streamlined process into the unionized construction industry, educational upgrading and training opportunities for all Ontario-based veterans.

"Supporting Indigenous military members transition to careers in the skilled trades is critical to advancing reconciliation and diversifying Canada's workforce,” said Executive Director of Helmets to Hardhats Canada, James Hogarth. “By fulfilling this memorandum of understanding, we are committing to a shared vision of providing rewarding careers, increasing employment rates, and filling skills shortages across Canada by promoting pathways into Canada's Building Trade Unions."

Providing employment opportunities is one way to aid veterans' successful transition into civilian life. By providing financial stability and reducing the pressure of finding well-paying, meaningful employment, veterans can quickly become autonomous.

"As part of our mission to support First Nations, Inuit and Métis Veterans and their families, we look forward to working closely with H2H to help our Veterans find meaningful second careers with organizations that employ skilled trades people,” said AVA President Robert Thibeau. “This should prove relatively seamless for veterans who are already trained in Red Seal trades, while opening up opportunities for other roles in these organizations."