Helmets to Hardhats Initial Candidate Receives Award

Business Wire, Oct 24, 2008

Laborers' Local 300 Recognizes Steve Fox

WASHINGTON -- On October 30, Steve Fox, a member of Laborers' Local 300 in Los Angeles, Calif. will receive an award in recognition of his discipline and professionalism. Mr. Fox, who became a Journeyman Laborer in 2004, was the first candidate placed nationally through the Helmets to Hardhats program. The award, which celebrates the contributions of veterans in the skilled trades, will be presented during a contractors' luncheon held at the Laborers' Training School in Azusa, Calif. Signatory and non-signatory contractors will be in attendance.

Helmets to Hardhats is a national, nonprofit program that connects National Guard, Reserve and transitioning active-duty military members with quality career opportunities in the construction industry. Through Helmets to Hardhats, veterans can connect to construction industry careers that provide competitive wages, excellent benefits and economic security for their families. Veterans and military service members can register for this free program through the Helmets to Hardhats Web site (www.helmetstohardhats.org), where jobseekers can learn about apprenticeship programs, find career opportunities and reach out to one of the program's 13 Regional Directors for career advice and placement assistance. Interested employers can also register with the program to find qualified employees who possess military skill, values and discipline. Regional Directors also work to inform military service members and government employment agencies about the benefits of using the Helmets to Hardhats program.

Revelation of the award caught Mr. Fox off-guard. He says, "I'm a hard worker and I'm treated very well by my company." Sgt. Steve Fox spent four years in the Marine Corps before he came to Local 300. Mr. Fox notes, "A lot carries over from the military, a lot of the leadership skills." Says Mike Rubio, Southern California Laborers' Apprenticeship Senior Coordinator, "[The award] is a great honor and Laborers' Local 300 is very proud of having Steve Fox become the first Helmets to Hardhats candidate to graduate from an apprenticeship program in the United States."

The award, chosen by Local 300 Business Manager, Sergio Rascon, celebrates Steve Fox's efforts during the apprenticeship program. Mr. Fox was promoted to foreman halfway into his apprenticeship and is still a foreman today. In this high-pressure position, he orders materials, meets payroll, and keeps the job site running on-schedule. Says Mike Rubio, "Steve Fox is helpful to other apprentices. He is a mentor."

Mr. Fox looks forward to learning more about the construction business through the supervisor courses offered by the training school. His goal is to move up in his company, Rudolph & Sletten, where he works on hospitals, schools, commercial and public works construction projects.

If you'd like more information about the Helmets to Hardhats program, please contact Tad Kicielinski at tkicielinski@helmetstohardhats.org, (202) 756-4642. To schedule an interview with Steve Fox, please call Mike Rubio, Senior Coordinator at mike@laborersjac.com, (626) 255-3870.