Military veterans bring skills, discipline and experience that can support the construction industry's workforce needs, according to a Veterans Day statement issued by North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) on November 11, 2026.
NABTU President Sean McGarvey highlighted the role veterans can play in building infrastructure, energy systems and communities across the United States and Canada. The organisation also reaffirmed its commitment to helping former service members transition into long-term construction careers.
A central part of NABTU’s veteran workforce support is Helmets to Hardhats (H2H), a programme that connects transitioning military personnel, veterans and National Guard and Reserve members with employment opportunities in the union construction industry.
The programme provides access to registered apprenticeship pathways, allowing participants to receive structured training and develop skills for construction trades. These opportunities are intended to help veterans apply their military experience in civilian roles while pursuing stable, family-supporting careers.
NABTU is an alliance of 14 national and international building and construction trade unions representing more than 3 million skilled craft professionals across the United States and Canada.
The organisation and its signatory contractor partners invest nearly $2 billion annually in private-sector funding to operate more than 1,900 apprenticeship training and education facilities across North America. Its workforce development efforts include creating career pathways for women, Indigenous people, communities of colour, veterans and individuals involved in the justice system.
Connecting veterans with construction apprenticeships can help expand the industry's skilled workforce while supporting military personnel entering civilian employment. Through programmes such as Helmets to Hardhats and its wider training network, NABTU is working to strengthen access to construction careers and support the industry's long-term labour needs.
Source: NABTU.
