Jared served as a staff sergeant in the Air Force from 2009 to 2016. He was wrapping up his time in the armed forces and wondered what his next step would be. As one of his last assignments, he supervised a construction crew in a secure area at the Fort Snelling base. Watching the crews work, he got to know the foreman who told him about Helmets to Hardhats.
Helmets to Hardhats is a nonprofit program that connects military service members with quality career opportunities in the construction industry. The program is designed to help military service members transition back into civilian life by offering them the means to secure a quality career in the construction industry. “I had never heard of the program, and I had many buddies in the trades,” Jared said.
Jared signed up with Helmets to Hardhats, and was able to head directly into an earn while you learn apprentice program with the Sheet Metal Workers. “Helmets to Hardhats helps service members get right back on their feet after leaving service. It was a smooth transition from the military. You show up on time and get your job done,” Jared shared.
“I’m a 4th year apprentice with a sheet metal company and have spent the last 2 ½ years at the Minneapolis airport doing architectural sheet metal in the new food court, arrival terminals and the connector from the hotel to the airport. I’m proud of the work that I’ve done, and happy that Helmets to Hardhats was there for me.” Next year, Jared will graduate to become a journeyworker, which means a significant raise and responsibility to help train new apprentices in the field.