Today’s military veterans face one of the toughest job markets in decades, and their unemployment rate is significantly higher than the population at large. But thanks to the Helmets to Hardhats program, which connects veterans with quality career training and employment opportunities within the building and construction industry, many veterans are now on ascending career paths.

A recent Philadelphia Inquirer feature focuses on two U.S. Marine Corps veterans who are putting to work the training and opportunities provided by Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) Local 19 in South Philadelphia.

Drew McIlhenny, who has earned his journeyman’s license now installs duct work and heating and cooling systems, says Helmets to Hardhats "made the [military-to-civilian] transition easy.”     

Bryan Hummel, a Marine reservist and an apprentice, says Helmets to Hardhats is “an awesome opportunity" for veterans.

Read the full story and be sure to view the photo gallery that accompanies it.

Helmets to Hardhats is sponsored by the 15 unions of the AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department (BCTD) along with construction industry employer associations. For more information on the program, visit the Helmets to Hardhats website.

Check out union vets from Helmets to Hardhats who are rebuilding the World Trade Center in the embedded video.