Mayor Kraham Joins Helmets to Hardhats to Provide Update on Workforce Training Partnership for Veterans

City Funding Helps Connect Local Veterans With In-Demand Construction Apprenticeships

(BINGHAMTON, N.Y.)—Mayor Jared M. Kraham on Monday joined representatives from New York Helmets to Hardhats and local trade unions to provide an update on a workforce training partnership created to help local veterans establish careers in the construction industry.

Mayor Kraham said: "Two years ago, we announced a new initiative focused on helping our veterans build successful careers after returning home from serving our country. The partnership, supported by funding from the City of Binghamton, has helped more than a dozen local veterans enter the trades, filling critical jobs in a construction industry facing a serious labor shortage. The skills and experience veterans bring to the workforce are invaluable and part of what makes them exceptional job candidates. With this support, more veterans are helping to rebuild Binghamton and Upstate New York."

In late 2022, Mayor Kraham announced the City would provide Helmets To Hardhats with $50,000 to help connect local veterans with in-demand construction apprenticeships.

The national non-profit helps military service members transition back into civilian life by offering Department of Labor registered apprenticeship positions in the construction industry. Veterans are able to learn in-demand construction skills and work full-time, while using their G.I. Bill to supplement their income during training.

Since the City announced its funding for the organization, about 15 veterans in Broome County have landed apprenticeships in the trades, including electricians, bricklayers, carpenters and finishing.

Anne Trenkle, Executive Director of New York Helmets to Hardhats, said: "It has been an honor to partner with the City of Binghamton and the Binghamton-Oneonta Building and Construction Trades Affiliates to further the careers of our local veterans. This partnership has increased veteran awareness of the quality careers available to them in the unionized construction industry. We applaud this initiative and all who worked so hard paving the way for veterans to begin a future with good-paying, long-term opportunities. Best of luck to all the veterans who served our country and are now rebuilding our community."

Most of the funding from the City is going directly to local veterans to help them pay for books and tools needed for apprenticeship programs. Helmets To Hardhats has also used some of the City money to support outreach and marketing efforts, including recruitment events.

The City's funding comes from its allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money.

Robert Aikens, President of the Binghamton Oneonta Building & Construction Trades Council, said: "On behalf of all the building trades unions affiliated with the Binghamton Oneonta BTC, I think it's safe to say the veterans who come into the trades through the Helmets to Hardhats program are among the best in the industry. We are proud to partner with Mayor Kraham on this important initiative and applaud the support for both the local trades and our veterans. It's money well-spent by the City of Binghamton, and it's a win-win for everyone involved."

Since 2003, more than 3,000 veterans have started construction careers in New York State through Helmets to Hardhats.

Local veterans interested in pursuing a construction career or other resources offered by Helmets to Hardhats can visit helmetstohardhats.org for more information.