Helmets to Hardhats Finds Construction Jobs for Veterans

NEW YORK - A national non-profit program is helping many veterans get construction jobs. More than 10,000 vets have found work through the Helmets to Hardhats Program.

Brian Geraghty is an ironworker in New York City. He's also a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, inspired to fight, he says, after his cousin was wounded there.

"I figured if he did it, I'm young, I'm healthy, I don't have kids, why not," he said.

Geraghty's military service helped him land his union job, thanks to a program called Helmets to Hardhats. Funded by the Department of Defense, it helps veterans get construction careers, providing counseling on interview skills, advice on choosing the right trade and job placement.

Helmets to Hardhats has found work for 12,000 veterans over the last seven years.

"It ties together well that same brotherhood on a construction site that you realize while you're in the military when you're inside... an infantry squad and you're working well with six or seven other members, and you're in an environment that is very stressful," said Darrell Roberts, executive director of Helmets to Hardhats. "Transfer it to a construction industry. You're working on a job site where you have a limited amount of time and resources, and you have to get it done on time (and) under budget... It's pretty close and the brotherhood is still there."

Ironworkers Local 580 Union Leader Jim Mahoney also sees the similarities. "If you want to be a soldier, you have to have the right attitude, and you need that little bit of an edge," he said. "They're not afraid to do things that other people... are, and as ironworkers, you can't be afraid of things like height and heavy objects and using a torch... These guys are gung-ho for that, and we appreciate that."

Geraghty is still a reservist and says he's ready to serve again anytime.

"You've got to stand by your country and stand by your people," he said. "They're like family over there. It's like your family away from your family."

Helmets to Hardhats says the goal is to find a job for every veteran who comes looking for one, but that's just not possible in today's environment. There are on average 21,000 to 22,000 vets signed up on HelmetstoHardhats.org. About 15 to 20-percent are finding work each year.

Learn more by visiting helmetstohardhats.org.