Politics & Government

Assembly Approves Whelan-Sponsored Helmets to Hardhats Pilot Program for Military Vets

The program would help military vets obtain jobs in the construction industry. The bill now goes before Gov. Christie.

It’s now up to Gov. Chris Christie to determine the New Jersey Turnpike Authority’s responsibility in helping military veterans obtain jobs in the construction industry.

On Thursday, March 21, the General Assembly approved the bill sponsored by Sens. Jim Whelan and Bob Gordon that would direct the Turnpike Authority to establish a pilot program to help military veterans in finding construction jobs. The bill was already unanimously approved by the Senate on Monday, March 18, and will now go before Gov. Chris Christie to be signed into law.

Bill S-1415 proposes bringing the “Helmets to Hardhats” national program to New Jersey. The national program has existed since 2003.

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The 18-month pilot program calls for the Turnpike Authority to award a minimum of 5 percent of the expected labor hours per Turnpike Authority highway construction project to contractors registered with the program.

The Turnpike Authority would have to evaluate the program, and report its impact to the governor and the legislature within two years of its effective date.

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Gov. Christie recommended the Turnpike Authority develop goals and benchmarks to increase opportunities for those participating in the program, as well as attainable targets for participant labor hours for each project.

The bill passed on Thursday included the governor’s recommendations.

“The men and women of our armed forces have fought courageously to protect our freedom overseas,” Sen. Whelan said. “As the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are winding down, these service men and women will be returning home and looking for work. Helmets to Hardhats is a great way to welcome them back to New Jersey and to thank them for their service in a meaningful way with a job opportunity and a career.”

“Our returning service members have the skills, work ethic and training that we look for in all of our workers,” Sen. Gordon said. “The Helmets to Hardhats Program has a proven record of aiding our veterans and military members from active duty into a civilian life. I look forward to its implementation here in New Jersey.”

The program, administered by the non-profit Center for Military Recruitment, Assessment and Veterans Employment (CMRAVE), connects National Guard, Reserve and transitioning active-duty military members with quality career training and employment opportunities in the construction industry.

To participate in the program, employers must register with and be approved by CMRAVE; participate in proven apprenticeship training programs; and attempt to ensure that transitioning veterans are provided with wages and benefits that allow them to maintain an appropriate standard of living in the community in which the position is located.


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