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Congressswoman Halvorson hosts 'Helmets to Hardhats'  Share
Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson hosted an informational session of Helmets to Hardhats Career/Job Program for veterans in Joliet on June 11. The session was held in the IBEW Local 176 offices at 1110 NE Frontage Road in Joliet. The meeting was opened by Bill Mulcrone, Midwest Regional Director of Helmets to Hardhats. Mulcrone gave an overview of the program, which is a Congressionally funded program for honorably discharged veterans to help transition them into the building trades industry. They have a working relationship with 15 national unions and eight contractors' associations. Helmets to Hardhats has many web-based tools that allows one to search for information, upload a profile and build a resume. The website is www.helmetstohardhats.org. According to Mulcrone, ''one working construction worker generates four jobs.'' Helmets to Hardhats is headquartered in Washington, D. C. and housed in the Department of Labor.
Halvorson is the only Illinois Representative to serve on the Veterans Affairs Committee and has been a strong supporter and advocate of veterans. Veteran and apprenticeship programs are one of her top priorities. ''The 11th Congressional District has the largest number of building trades workers, but also has the highest unemployment;'' says Halvorson. ''The 11th District will also create the most green energy jobs.'' She has a full-time veteran's liaison, Julia Talamonti, in her Joliet office (815-726-4998 or Julia.Talamonti@mail.house.gov). Jim Collins, Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), Bolingbrook Office Veterans Coordinator, spoke about the many services the department provides, both in the office and on the web. He also provided several useful handouts. IDES has VA representatives in all its field offices. Bob Schwartz, vice president/assistant business manager of the Boilermakers Union, spoke about how they take direct referrals from Helmets to Hardhats. Ron Cernauskas attended the session with his wife, Amy, and one-year-old son, Matthew. Ron is an Air Force reservist who has had two deployments. He used Helmets to Hardhats to get in the Boilermakers Union and is almost finished with his apprenticeship program. Everyone was asked to spread the word about this worthwhile and needed program. Cornell Hudson is a reporter for Russell Publications.
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