Essay
Although the benefits for the Helmets to Hardhats Program are numerous, perhaps the two most important benefits focus on providing veterans with civilian jobs after transitioning from military service and bringing in apprentices to work in construction, a trade with aging workers. After veterans transition from military service, they often face mental, physical, social, and financial problems. Helmets to Hardhats provides veterans an opportunity to take care of their economic problems with a stable income. Construction jobs often involve visual learning, a learning style similar to military service that benefits veterans looking for work in construction trades. The average age of construction workers in Minnesota right now is close to 40 and soon there will be a need for leadership among construction unions when the older generation retires. Helmets to Hardhats provides veterans much younger than the average construction worker opportunities to apprenticeships, leading them on the path to future leadership in construction.
Norris, Matt. Helmets to Hardhats - HF0284, 6 Sept. 2024.
Rost, Justin. Helmets to Hardhats, 10 Sept. 2024.
The bill has a few drawbacks concerning diversity. As of 2022, 84 percent of Minnesota construction workers were male. With a majority of veterans being men, this program doesn’t help the gender diversity problem in Minnesota construction. Because most veterans in Minnesota are white, Helmets to Hardhats also doesn’t help the racial diversity problem in Minnesota construction unions. Diversity is increasing, but at a very slow rate that won’t necessarily be helped by the Helmets to Hardhats Program.
Casale, Oriane. “The Case for Diversifying Construction.” Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, 3 June 2024, mn.gov/deed/newscenter/publications/trends/december-2016/diversifying-construction.jsp.
“Manufacturing Industry Profile .” Minnesota Employment and Economic Development, June 2023, mn.gov/deed/assets/manufacturing-profile_tcm1045-595830.pdf.
