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Helmets to Hardhats program does much to support veterans

Governments, local, state and national, often throw grant money at projects and programs that have dubious value.

In our experience, that’s the nature of that animal: Provide funding for a great many things and perhaps a handful will turn into something good.

That certainly was not the case with action taken by state government recently when Helmets to Hardhats was awarded a $250,000 grant to support the Michigan Construction Apprenticeship post-Military Opportunity Program that will connect 225 veterans with registered apprenticeships in Michigan’s construction industry.

Helmets to Hardhats is a national, nonprofit program that connects transitioning active-duty military service members, veterans, National Guard and Reservists with skilled training and quality career opportunities in the construction industry.

The MiCAMO Program will provide training to help transitioning active-duty and retired military service members, National Guard, reservists and veterans with registered apprenticeship paths to in-demand, high-wage construction jobs.

“Veterans represent the best of the best that our workforce has to offer,” said Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Director Zaneta Adams in a statement. “This program is exciting because it helps veterans realize the many opportunities to gain skills and sustainable income and enables them to increase the economic footprint in their communities. Serving the community is what veterans have been trained to do.”

We could not agree more.

This is exactly how grant money — indeed, any type of government funding — should be used.

Supporting veterans in this way gives that individual a leg up in starting a new career.

And that can’t be a bad idea.

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