Connecting Afghan refugees to careers in the Skilled Trades

For many Canadian newcomers, finding and securing well-paying, meaningful employment is a critical yet difficult step in their resettlement journey.  To aid Afghan refugees in securing a livelihood, Aman Lara has partnered with Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) and Canada’s Building Trade Unions to provide career opportunities in the skilled trades.

H2H focuses on supporting the military-affiliated community, including Veterans, Cadets, Reservists, and military family members (spouses and children) transition into second careers in the skilled trades. H2H has widened its program eligibility to include resettled Afghan nationals who supported the Canadian military while they were deployed in Afghanistan. Together, we believe that after their sacrifices and support of the Canadian military, it's now time to assist them.

Program Objectives

The H2H program aims to ease the transition into Canadian society by providing career and apprenticeship opportunities in the unionized construction industry, including earn-while-you-learn training, access to health benefits and pension plans, and financial stability. With over 60 different trades and occupations available, H2H collaborates with Canada's 14 Building Trades Unions and Aman Lara to offer a wide range of opportunities. 

“Aman Lara is proud to be part of this collaborative effort with H2H and trade unions across Canada, providing meaningful employment opportunities in the skilled trades to recently resettled refugees. This project contributes to the growth and diversification of Canada’s skilled workforce and supports our clients in establishing themselves in their new home. We are committed to this initiative and believe that it will have a positive impact on our clients’ resettlement journey.”

Julia Aitken, Program Director

Program Offerings

Joining the skilled trades gives you access to hundreds of well-paying jobs and an in-demand career. We encourage you to explore these opportunities but with the full understanding that this is a long-term commitment. Committing to an apprenticeship will allow you to earn while you learn and grow your income by the amount of training and hours you complete on the job. 

Eligibility Criteria

The following individuals (and their direct family members) are eligible for enrollment in the H2H program:

  • those whose employment involved a significant and/or enduring relationship with the Government of Canada, which could be, but is not limited to:

    • interpreters who worked with the Canadian Armed Forces

    • local staff who currently or used to work at the Embassy of Canada to Afghanistan

  • Afghan nationals who have recently resettled in Canada through the Special Immigration Measures Program 

Ready to Apply?

If you’re ready to make the commitment needed for this program …

Complete our online pre-screening form to express your interest and provide basic information about your background and skills. Our team will review your application to ensure you meet the H2H program eligibility criteria before proceeding to the next step in the process.