There is an “America Supports You” program that helps active duty, Guard, and Reserve veterans transition to jobs in the construction industry. Defense officials say the “Helmets to Hardhats” program has “matched about 40,000” veterans with apprenticeships in construction unions around the country. However, the program still has some 150,000 registered job seekers looking for their particular area of interest and more signing up each year.
President Donald Trump signed legislation reopening the federal government late Nov. 12, ending the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The move sets the stage for tens of thousands of defense civilians to return to work and guarantees troops will be paid in a few days’ time.


