Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI) is collaborating with Helmets to Hardhats to recruit and retain more Veterans in the Canadian nuclear industry through 2025.
In time for Remembrance Day today, the organizations signed a memorandum of understanding, a commitment to hire Canadian Veterans, transitioning military members, reservists, cadets, military family members, and Afghan interpreters into the Canadian nuclear industry and the nuclear supply chain.
“This agreement is meaningful for the Canadian Veteran community and the Canadian economy. Helmets to Hardhats is looking forward to continuing our collaboration with the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries to ensure our Veterans and transitioning military members are aware of the extensive opportunities within the Nuclear Industry,” said Joe Maloney, founder and executive director of Helmets to Hardhats Canada.
Under the MoU, both organizations recognize the value and the unique transferable skillsets that Canadian Veterans can bring to the construction and skill trades industry, including positions within the nuclear sector.
H2H and OCNI have agreed to continue collaborating to recruit and retain more Veterans in the Canadian nuclear industry.
“OCNI has taken an integral part in supporting H2H in previous years and will continue to assist our Canadian Veterans as they transition back into the workforce,” said Bill Walker, OCNI president & CEO.
“With this commitment, OCNI encourages its fellow members to support this vital initiative by becoming involved with H2H and investing in our Veterans. As our industry expands, we can assist Veterans into new careers and simultaneously help to address Canada’s urgent need for more skilled tradespersons.”
To date, H2H has referred more than 2,500 Veterans or reservists to second careers, the vast majority by way of well-paid apprenticeships that lead to a skilled trades qualification. There is no cost incurred by participating employers, though the benefits they receive by training an hiring dedicated Veterans are immeasurable.
“We owe the men and women of our military – and all veterans – a debt of gratitude for the sacrifices they have made for our country,” said Monte McNaughton, minister of labour, immigration, training and skills development. “Our government will continue to give those who have served a hand up to meaningful careers in in-demand fields.
“This Veterans’ week, I applaud Helmets to Hardhats and OCNI for this partnership as we work together to build a stronger Ontario that leaves no one behind.”
Both organizations are focused on supporting each other’s initiatives by finding sustainable, long-term opportunities to advance Canada’s economic growth and provide meaningful second careers for former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families. As the nuclear industry expands its focus to clean and affordable energy, H2H will continue referring Veterans to OCNI to connect them with its member companies and to ultimately aid Canada in meeting its ambitious goal of “Net Zero by 2050”.
The new MoU will continue through November 8th, 2025.
“It’s vital that we support Veterans who wish to transition into the civilian workforce – through their years of service, they have unique skills and perspectives that would be a great asset to any organization or business. I’d like to congratulate Helmets to Hardhats and the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries on this important agreement to support Canada’s Veterans,” Lawrence MacAulay, minister of veterans affairs said in a statement.