Helmets to Hardhats program helps veterans get civilian jobs
Military driver's license good for commercial vehicles
The Newfoundland Labrador government has signed on to a program that helps veterans get jobs when they leave the military. The Department of National Defence 404 driver's licence will be recognized as a licence to operate commercial vehicles.
Dan Crummell, minister of Service NL, said it will also help private companies find the skilled workers they need.
At an announcement on Wednesday in St. John's, Crummell said the province wants to help veterans find rewarding work after their careers in the Armed Forces.
Alan Doody, a part time reservist and the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, called it "a huge step forward,"
In the past, Doody said, it was sometimes difficult to match skill sets from the military with civilian jobs. He said now, the analysis has been done beforehand.
"We know exactly what qualifications DND persons hold, and we can easily match that to our provincial licensing. So it's exactly what they said. Walk in one day with your application, leave 30 minutes later with your ID card in your hand...and before it could have taken months," said Doody.
"I know there's many soldiers on the base just here at the station in St. john's who have those qualifications and will use them in civilian employment."