Helmets to Hardhats partners with City of Binghamton

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – Binghamton's Mayor Jared Kraham was at the Arena earlier to announce the city's continued support of the national non-profit, Helmets to Hardhats.

The organization helps military service members transition back to civilian life, by training them, and getting them jobs such as electricians, bricklayers and carpenters.

Helmets to Hardhats was brought to Binghamton roughly two years ago, and since then, over two dozen veterans have graduated.

One veteran apprentice, Brendan Watson says the position has helped him stay active and has made the transition out of the military easier.

"Just staying committed to all of the work that you do, attention to detail. Learning new skills day-in and day-out and putting them to work is just mind-blowing. It's rewarding when you come home at night making sure people's homes are safe and sound," said Watson.

The City provides the program with funding, that generally goes towards purchasing books and tools needed to finish the apprenticeship.

There is an application process which can be found online by looking up helmetstohardhats.org .