Veterans support trade organization hires Atlantic representative

Veteran support group, Helmets to Hardhats, hired a new Atlantic representative to co-ordinate efforts between Atlantic trade-building organizations and the Canadian Armed Forces in order to assist veterans transition.

As a direct result of a grant from the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund, Helmuts to Hardhats (H2H) hired retired Lieutenant Commander David Giannou.

DEEPENING COMMITMENT

Veteran’s support program, H2H Canada, is deepening its commitment to veterans looking to switch over to a career in the trades, opportunities in the Maritime provinces by appointing Giannou as its Atlantic Canada Transition Service Representative, effective May 10.

According to a press release, “Giannou will co-ordinate efforts between the Atlantic provinces’ building trades councils, employer associations, and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).”

VETERANS AFFAIRS MINISTER

Veterans Affairs Minister Lawrence MacAulay stated in a press release that the organization was deserving of the funding boost from the Family Well-Being Fund, an initiative of Veterans Affairs Canada that provides financial support to programs that have a positive and lasting impact on the veteran community.

“Helmets to Hardhats does exceptional work in support of our veterans every day. I know David will help veterans find rewarding new careers in the skilled trades across Atlantic Canada. I’m very proud that we’re able to provide them with support to make this possible through the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund.”

WELCOMED GRANT

H2H Executive Director Joe Maloney welcomed the federal grant and expressed that the men and women who serve our country need rewarding second careers.

“Canada faces an impending shortage of skilled tradespeople, and these brave men and women have just the skillsets necessary to succeed in the trades,” he said. “It’s a perfect fit, and a win-win situation for all stakeholders involved. Thanks to Veterans Affairs, we’re making this goal a reality.”

NATIVE MARITIMER

Giannou is a native Maritimer, born in Glace Bay, NS, and raised in Corner Brook, NL, the press release stated. He joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1982 through its Marine Engineering Technologist Training Program and graduated in 1985 with two diplomas.

For 16 years, he served as a marine engineer on RCN ships and submarines, commissioning in 2000. He oversaw simulation training for the next 10 years while continuing his engineering training, culminating in his tour as Engineering Officer on HMCS Preserver.

His experience and knowledge led him to be appointed to the Naval Engineering School in 2013. He recently retired after a distinguished 36-year career in the RCN.

WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE

“David brings with him a wealth of experience in training and engineering, and he’s a product of the Navy,” said Maloney. “I couldn’t be more pleased to have him heading up our efforts to forge new careers for Maritimers from our military.”

As stated on the H2H website, through H2H, veterans have access to opportunities in the construction and related industries, whether serving, transitioning, or former military members. They are also a non-for-profit organization that works in partnership with government, industry, and trade unions.

MORE INFORMATION

Not only do they assist veterans, but they also help their spouses and dependents, reservists, and senior cadets, in their transition to civilian careers in construction and related industries.

For more information, visit Helmets to Hardhats here.