PASADENA, CA (March 24, 2016) – Parsons is pleased to announce that through its partnership with Helmets to Hardhats, it is assisting veterans in finding employment opportunities on public works projects in the City of Long Beach. Helmets to Hardhats helps military personnel start careers in the building trades after leaving the service.
Under its contract with the City of Long Beach, Parsons is administering a 5-year Project Labor Agreement (PLA) with the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council that applies to a range of public projects. The PLA includes provisions for employing local workers—specifically veterans and disadvantaged workers. In addition to its partnership with Helmets to Hardhats, Parsons works with Long Beach City College’s construction pre-apprentice training program and various local agencies to ensure a continuing qualified local labor pool.
“We are extremely proud of the positive impact our Project Labor Agreement is having for veterans and our local labor force,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “I’m grateful that we can put Parsons’ expertise to work in service of a stronger local economy and good jobs for our returning vets.”
“These employment opportunities would not be possible without the support of some great contractors, building trades unions, and dedicated people helping veterans make the transition,” said Darrell Roberts, Executive Director for Helmets to Hardhats.
To date, several public projects have been awarded by the City of Long Beach under the PLA, including the demolition of the old courthouse near the civic center. The Long Beach courthouse project was the first project to proceed under the PLA, and 96% of craft hours worked are by local residents, with veterans and disadvantaged workers performing 26% of the project’s craft hours. Both categories significantly exceed PLA targets.
“Parsons is committed to helping veterans who served our country transition into rewarding careers, not only in construction disciplines, but in engineering, operations, and intelligence professions,” said Dan Sloan, Director of Labor Relations at Parsons. “This transition is made possible through cooperation between all stakeholders, including the City of Long Beach, the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council, the contractors, Helmets to Hardhats, and our local union partners.”
Edward Sullivan is a veteran who started his construction career at the Long Beach courthouse project with Signal Hill-based Environmental Construction Group, Inc. after enrolling in the Laborers Local 1309 apprenticeship program. Mr. Sullivan said, “I am excited and inspired by the diligent assistance Parsons and Helmets to Hardhats provided in helping me finally find a great career. It’s like life started all over.” He added, “Parsons has saved me and my family—my wife and three boys—from literally being destroyed. We were homeless with no money and no clear future in sight.”
Parsons and its partners are providing similar community workforce development and veteran-hiring programs at Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles Community College District, Pasadena Unified School District, and the Port of Long Beach. Parsons’ commitment to veterans is also demonstrated by its recognition as a Military Friendly® Employer for 4 years in a row.
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