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A new bespoke programme, supported by industry leaders, will see skilled service leavers and veterans matched with meaningful careers in construction and the built environment, with unique journeys mapped out to support each service leaver, including training, mentoring, site visits and work placements.
Set up as a community interest company (CIC), BuildForce has been championing the armed forces community in the construction industry for ten years – and since launching in 2011, has gone on to become the sector’s largest nationwide military programme.
The service provided is underpinned by mental health support, as well as guidance and advice to help service leavers make their transition.
BuildForce programme director Caroline Logan explained that the industry has a broad range of roles that complement the skillsets of military personnel.
“We talk about the parallel lines of a military posting and a construction site; working outside in arduous conditions which are often dangerous, being part of a team, the camaraderie, following orders, attention to detail; these are just a few of the transferable skills the military have in abundance,” she said.
Amey operational relationship manager and BuildForce champion Richard Castell made further comments, saying that the industry needs reliable, talented and motivated staff and people with a service background “invariably fit the bill”.
He went on to note that in the 14 months since the company’s initial involvement, it now has a network of 26 mentors throughout the business, as well as senior recruiters who understand how transferable the skills of service personnel are, advising on opportunities throughout the business.
Government figures show that 20,000 people leave the Armed Forces every year, with the current British veteran population estimated to be about 2.8 million by the Royal British Legion.
What this means is that there is a significant amount of readily available skills and knowledge, and the construction industry needs to take on new recruits, with around 160,000 more workers required by the year 2023.
Industry employers and military-orientated organisations are now being encouraged to become part of the BuildForce Alliance by signing the BuildForce Charter.
The purpose of becoming a partner is to help promote the CIC and its objectives, as well as providing an exclusive and safe environment for service leavers within organisations and lead the way as in excellence within industry.
Recent BuildForce success stories include Analise Hopkins, who spent six years in the Royal Engineers before finishing her service as a sapper. She was involved in bridging, demolitions, watermanship and fortifications. Now, she works as a project manager at Amey Defence Services, which she achieved through BuildForce.
Are you looking for Leeds scaffolders at the moment? Get in touch with the team here at Burflex to see how we can help get your project off the ground.
