The International Standards and Training Alliance and military veteran organization Helmets to Hardhats have introduced 13 veterans into the floor covering industry via an apprenticeship program started in April.
The International Standards and Training Alliance and military veteran organization Helmets to Hardhats have introduced 13 veterans into the floor covering industry via an apprenticeship program started in April.
The partnership, which calls on INSTALL contractors to sponsor floor covering training for military veterans, helps military veterans successfully transition back into civilian life by offering them the means to acquire a career in the construction industry.
“Through H2H I was put on the fast track in the INSTALL apprenticeship program to become a journeyman and was able to develop the skills I needed to perform in the field,” said Tim Guinns, a program participant and floor covering installer at Strahm Inc. (Fort Wayne, Ind.), in a statement. “The program has helped me to support my family and become recognized as a professional. Because I have INSTALL training, people notice, and that goes a long way.”
At the program’s outset, INSTALL set a goal of enrolling one veteran per month in 2016. That goal was met with more than a month left in the year, and more than 80 veterans have shown interest in becoming an apprentice in the program.
“This is a situation where justice, patriotism and good business are all served,” said INSTALL Executive Director John McGrath. “Our veterans are disciplined, team- and goal-oriented and deserve all the help in re-entering civilian life that can be provided.”
For information on how to get involved, email McGrath.
