Miguel Perdomo, a Marine Corps veteran, heard about the local Helmets to Hardhats program when he was still in the military.

Perdomo was like a lot of Northern Nevada veterans returning from foreign campaigns. Most have been confronted with the dilemma of finding well-paying jobs in the civilian sector. Since many Northern Nevada veterans are young people with little civilian work experience, they often find themselves qualified only for low-paying jobs, according to apprenticeship coordinators and veterans’ advocates

Luckily, Perdomo was accepted into the program and recently began the five-year apprenticeship as a pipefitter. “What I like best about the program is the fact that the construction world is very similar to the military,” says Perdomo. “There’s a similar sense of brotherhood as found in the Marines … and the feeling that we have to look out for each other. All these things mean a lot to me.”

So does the opportunity to have a great career.

Transition to civilian life

Helmets to Hardhats began in 2003. The non-profit organization, funded by the Department of Defense, is focused on helping vets find careers in the union construction trades.

“What we’re trying to do is provide our veterans with a career, not just a job,” says Mel Lowney, a regional spokesman for Helmets to Hardhats. “Most jobs are just about making some money. A career is an investment of time and training in an industry that provides good wages, good benefits and a terrific retirement.”

Currently, 300 Northern Nevadans are enrolled in the program.

The Northern Nevada union construction trades are highly receptive to the idea of accepting returning veterans into apprenticeship programs. In fact, all 15 of the construction labor unions are participating in the program.

John Williams, coordinator for the Pipe Trades apprenticeship program through Local 350, is an enthusiastic supporter of the program.

“Veterans make great apprentices,” says Williams. “They come to our programs already knowing the importance of a positive attitude, following directions, promptness and hard work. Right now, we have veterans from the Marines, Navy and Army enrolled in our apprenticeship program.” Eventually, they will work as plumbers, pipe fitters and heating, ventilation and air conditioning specialists.

The program also helps Northern Nevada veterans with college degrees find careers. “There are so many opportunities available for veterans with engineering, management or business degrees,” says Lowney. He added that the program also assists disabled veterans find careers.

Indeed, “flexibility and receptiveness” on the part of employers is the key to success when it comes to finding unique career opportunities for disabled veterans, says Lowney.

Northern Nevada veterans from all branches of the military qualify for the program. Time out of service is not a consideration for admission.