Release
Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour
May 19, 2026
FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government is teaming up with Helmets to Hardhats Canada to help train veterans, military members – including reservists and cadets – and their families to join the skilled labour market.
It is providing $275,000 to the organization’s Skills Edge program, which helps New Brunswick’s military community enter the unionized construction sector by providing employment readiness support, outreach and pathways into apprenticeship and certification.
“We are going to need thousands of new employees in the skilled trades industry in the coming years. Helping former soldiers, reservists and their families launch a second career in a critical industry is an exciting opportunity,” said Post-Secondary Education and Training Minister Jean-Claude D’Amours, who is also minister responsible for military affairs. “Programs such as this help drive the province’s economic development strategy. A skilled and adaptable workforce is vital to New Brunswick’s economic growth.”
The province’s unionized construction sector continues to experience labour shortages and an aging workforce. With the 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown and several reserve units located within the province, D’Amours said New Brunswick has a strong pool of disciplined, job-ready individuals who are well-suited for careers in the skilled trades.
"Helmets to Hardhats is proud to partner with the government of New Brunswick through the Skills Edge program,” said James Hogarth, the organization’s executive director. “This investment reflects a shared commitment to recognizing the skills and discipline that veterans, reservists, cadets and military family members bring to the workforce. By supporting clear pathways into unionized construction careers, we are opening doors to meaningful, long-term employment for those who have served our country. New Brunswick is demonstrating that investing in our military community is key to building the workforce Canada needs."
Rick Smith is chair of the Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification Board, as well as the director of training for the New Brunswick joint apprenticeship training committee for the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada and the Mechanical Contractors Association. He said this is exactly what the province needs right now.
“We’re always looking for job-ready people, and Skills Edge helps deliver that,” said Smith. “Participants understand job site expectations, take safety seriously and are committed to staying in the industry.”
19-05-26
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Media Contact(s)
Rebecca Howland, communications, Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, [email protected].
Sable Frey, communications, Helmets to Hardhats Canada, [email protected].