/mdva/assets/2026-07-08-justin-rost_tcm1066-758750.jpgFor many Veterans, the transition from military service to civilian life comes with one important question: What's next? Minnesota Helmets to Hardhats helps answer that question by connecting Veterans, transitioning service members, National Guard members and Reservists with rewarding careers in the union construction trades.

Justin Rost, Director of Minnesota Helmets to Hardhats and a former U.S. Marine Corps infantryman, understands that transition firsthand. After serving four years, Justin explored several careers before finding his calling in the sheet metal trade.

"The teamwork and camaraderie reminded me of the military," Justin says. "I enjoyed creating and installing architectural sheet metal, and I realized the construction trades offered not just a job, but a career."

Founded in 2003, Helmets to Hardhats was created to help Veterans successfully transition into civilian careers through registered apprenticeship programs. Today, the program serves Veterans in all 50 states by connecting them with training, career opportunities and personalized guidance.

/mdva/assets/2026-07-08-h2h-tradeworker_tcm1066-758751.jpgMany Veterans are especially well suited for skilled trade jobs because of the discipline, leadership, attention to detail, and ability to learn quickly that was drilled into them while serving in the military. "The construction industry offers far more career options than most people realize," Justin says. "Every building will have been worked on by someone from a skilled trade."

Apprentices earn wages while they train, often with little or no educational debt, and many Veterans can use their GI Bill benefits to receive a housing allowance during apprenticeship. Journeyman-level workers frequently earn six-figure incomes along with excellent health care and retirement benefits.

In recognition of its commitment to serving Veterans, Minnesota Helmets to Hardhats was named the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Community Partner of the Year in 2023.

"We help Veterans find their next career fit," Justin says. "Our goal is to connect them with a trade where they can succeed, support their families and continue serving their communities."

To learn more or begin exploring the many career opportunities available in Minnesota’s skilled construction trades, start with HelmetsToHardhats.org to create a free profile or reach out to Justin Rost at justin.rost@mnh2h.org.