On Wednesday, Senate Republicans heard Helmets to Hardhats legislation in the Senate’s Jobs and Economic Growth Finance and Policy Committee. The legislation which is co-authored by Senator Justin Eichorn (R-Grand Rapids) is designed to help military service members successfully transition back into civilian life by offering them the means to secure a quality career in the construction industry.

“For our service members returning home can be difficult and reentering the civilian workforce can be intimidating,” said Senator Justin Eichorn. “Helmets to Hardhats was designed with these struggles in mind, and works to ease that transition giving soldiers the best opportunity to learn skills that can provide for stable employment and set them up for the best opportunities in the future.”

Eligibility is open to members of the National Guard, Reserve, and transitioning active-duty military members.  Most career opportunities offered by the program are connected to federally-approved apprenticeship training programs. Such training is provided by the trade organizations themselves at no cost to the veteran. No prior experience is needed; in fact, most successful placements start with virtually no experience in their chosen field. All participating trade organizations conduct three to five-year earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship training programs that teach service members everything they need to know to become a construction industry professional with a specialization in a particular craft. And, because these apprenticeship programs are regulated and approved at both federal and state levels, veterans can utilize their Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits to supplement their income while they are learning valuable skills and on the job training.

“This bill isn’t just the right thing to do for our vets, but will help our communities filling employment opportunities in our trade industry and make Minnesota stronger as a whole.” continued Senator Eichorn.