At age 27, Mike McNarland is embarking on a second exciting career.

Following nearly five years as an armoured crewman in the Canadian Forces operating and maintaining armoured fighting vehicles, McNarland is now apprenticing as a welder, working in heavy industrial construction.

“It’s very hard work, similar to the military,” McNarland said. “But I love it. There’s a broad variety of things you can do, and I enjoy the variety.”

The switch is going smoothly, he said, thanks to help from Helmets to Hardhats Canada, a national not-for-profit organization that gives people who have served in the Canadian Forces opportunities to enter careers in the trades.

Helmets to Hardhats “made the transition so easy,” McNarland said, by connecting him with a union and helping him receive credit toward his apprenticeship.

Helmets to Hardhats began operating in Canada in May 2012 following the lead of a U.S. program that started in 2003, said Greg Matte, a former CF-18 fighter pilot who is now executive director of Helmets to Hardhats.

“Military training is not always recognized directly in civilian positions,” Matte said. “We help to bridge that gap, and try to get recognition for the skills these people have.”

The program matches participants to the necessary training for their chosen trade, and depending on their existing qualifications and experience, the apprenticeship training process may be shortened.

The program has had “significant” uptake from veterans in Alberta, Matte said, as well as support from the provincial government.

“They’ve been progressive in recognizing the transferable skills vets have,” he said.

Both careers in the military and the trades require a strong work ethic, Matte said, as well as an ability to adapt to new challenges.

McNarland sees many similarities between his two careers.

“Training in the army is about camaraderie, that you’re together during good times and bad,” he said. With the trades, it’s hard work and long hours, but you build a bond with the people you’re working with. You look out for each other and make sure everyone is doing things safely.”

He also enjoys the variety of work and sense of adrenalin that are characteristic of both careers. As an armoured crewman, his squadron was part of security for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, and was sent to Manitoba during severe flooding in 2011.

He now works in heavy industrial construction in Redwater, a town northeast of Edmonton. The job comes with “a big rush,” McNarland said, as he hangs high above the ground in a harness, welding heavy piping.

“I love my job,” McNarland said.

When to enter the trades

In 2013, 22,129 new apprentices registered in trades in Alberta. While the most common age for Alberta apprentices to register in their first trade is 20, there are many entry points to a career in the trades.

During high school, Alberta students can enter the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), which allows students to divide their time between school and work, while earning credits toward their apprenticeship.

Anyone who has served, or is currently serving, in the regular or reserve force components of the Canadian Forces can apply with Helmets to Hardhats, for assistance transitioning to a career in the trades.

Alberta has a Qualification Certificate Program that allows experienced tradespeople from other provinces or countries to obtain an Alberta trade certificate based on recognized credentials or work experience.

Numerous preparatory programs exist for people who want to enter an apprenticeship. NorQuest College, for example, offers a certificate program focused on preparing young immigrants and aboriginal adults for a career in the trades, while Women Building Futures offers various programs for women that include safety certificates, academic upgrading, and hands-on skill training and theory.

cklingbeil@edmontonjournal.com

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This story was produced by the Edmonton Journal’s editorial department as a result of Careers: The Next Generation’s interest in this topic. The organization was not given the opportunity to put restrictions onthe content or review it prior to publication.