Install and Helmets to Hardhats Celebrating One Year of Partnership

Glassboro, NJ, April 26, 2017—In April 2016, Install and Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) forged a partnership calling on Install contractors to sponsor veterans with the goal of bringing new skilled workers into the floorcovering industry through apprenticeships.

The partnership has since been actively recruiting veterans in both the United States and Canada and has seen tremendous results and surpassed expectations.

At the outset of the partnership, Install and H2H set a goal of enrolling at least one veteran into the Install apprenticeship program per month, a total of nine vets for 2016. Since then, Install has surpassed the goal, placing 19 veterans. Due to the program’s overwhelming success, Install will shoot for securing 36 H2H sponsorships in the next year. Currently, more than 100 vets have shown interest in an apprenticeship and Install is actively working to connect them to contractors for possible career opportunities throughout the next year.

H2H operates in both the United States and Canada with two complementary, but independent programs that connect National Guard, Reserve, retired and transitioning active-duty military service members with skilled training and quality career opportunities in the construction industry. The program is designed to help military service members successfully transition back into civilian life by offering them the means to secure a quality profession in the construction industry.

Veterans are able to apply to the program year-round, and Install is helping them succeed in all stages of the program, from application to completion. Taylor Thompson, an H2H vet in his first year of the program, said he is receiving the most professional training he has ever experienced. Before entering the program Thompson worked as a residential flooring installer, so he is no stranger to the industry.