Helmets to Hardhats - building trades apprenticeship matching
Helmets to Hardhats
Check before you apply: details change often, so confirm on the official page before you apply.
- Who it's for
- Transitioning active duty, National Guard, Reserve and veterans; trades usually require age 18+, honorable discharge, HS diploma/GED and a drug test
Open to: veterans, active duty / transitioning service members. - Cost
- Free
- Free with no benefit?
- Yes: no GI Bill, VR&E or VET TEC benefit needed.
- VA benefits
- GI Bill (can be used)
- What you get
- Free matching to registered building-trades apprenticeships (electrician, carpenter, pipefitter, operating engineer and more); GI Bill can pay a housing allowance during apprenticeship
- Type
- Fellowship, apprenticeship or hiring program
- Credential strength
- 3/5: Hiring pathway; no credential, but can shorten the time to a job offer.
- Duration
- Varies
- Format
- Online (Online matching; apprenticeship is in person)
- Location
- Nationwide
- Deadline
- Rolling / varies
- Next start
- Varies
- Stipend / housing / travel
- Apprentice wages; GI Bill housing allowance possible
- Jobs it can lead to
- Construction Apprentice; Electrician; Carpenter; Pipefitter; Operating Engineer
- Official page
- helmetstohardhats.org/frequently-asked-questions
- Last checked
- Oct 4, 2026