Binghamton Invests in Training Vets for Construction Jobs

The City of Binghamton is investing in an initiative to help pair transitioning active-duty military service members, veterans, National Guard and Reservists into the civilian workforce with training and job opportunities in the construction industry.

The City is providing $50,000 in funding for the New York Helmets to Hardhats nonprofit in the first municipal partnership with the group in New York State. 

Helmets to Hardhats offers Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship positions in the construction industry to military service members returning to the civilian workforce. 

Veterans are able to learn the skills that are needed in the highly demanded construction field.  They are able to work full-time while using their G.I. Bill to supplement their income during training. 

The nonprofit has been around since 2003 and has helped over 3,000 veterans to start their construction careers in New York State. 

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Binghamton Mayor Hared Kraham’s office says the $50,000 in city funding will support outreach and marketing efforts, including recruitment events.  The money can also go toward the books and tools Binghamton veterans will need in their apprenticeships. 

The funding from the City of Binghamton would be coming through the city’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funding and is being presented at the City Council work session Monday, November 14. 

President of the Binghamton Oneonta Building and Construction Trades Council, Robert Aikens called the money for the city “well-spent” and said veterans who come into the trades through the program are “among the best in the industry.” 

The funding and training comes as New York has announced several recent initiatives to invest in clean energy and high-tech development projects that will need skilled construction workers.