Armed Forces veterans will be supported into construction jobs through a new partnership between the Ministry of Defence and Places for London, Transport for London’s wholly owned property company, helping ex-service personnel translate their skills into civilian careers.
Building Beyond Service is a new programme designed to help former Service personnel turn their military experience into construction careers through industry-recognised training and direct links to employers.
The first cohort of eight veterans is undertaking training in the operation of plant machinery, with the programme aiming to support up to 60 veterans into construction roles during its first year.
Delivered through the Places for London Skills Academy in partnership with The Skills Centre and L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage, the programme gives veterans industry-recognised training and direct links to employers. Veterans gain recognised qualifications, connect with live job opportunities, and are supported to build long-term careers in construction, while employers gain access to skilled workers. The current cohort is receiving hands-on training in plant operations, including learning to operate some of the most in-demand, cutting-edge industry machinery and leading practices.
The programme also complements other Defence-backed employment support, including the Career Transition Partnership for service leavers, and Op ASCEND for veterans.
The partnership delivers on the government’s Defence Housing Strategy and aims to address skills shortages in construction while creating new employment opportunities for veterans. It also supports the government’s wider ambition to end homelessness; with the construction skills and new homes it helps deliver forming part of the pipeline needed to increase the supply of accommodation across London.
Calvin Bailey MBE MP, Minister for Veterans and People, said:
Veterans leave the Armed Forces with skills, experience, and a work ethic that employers across the country are looking for.
The challenge is often making sure those skills are recognised and creating a clear route into civilian careers. That’s exactly what this programme is doing, helping veterans move into good jobs while supporting an industry that needs skilled people.
Having made the transition from military service myself, I know how important these opportunities can be. This is a practical example of how we can back veterans to succeed long after they leave uniform.
David Brewer, Chief Executive of the Defence Housing Service, said:
This pilot is the result of a pioneering partnership between the Ministry of Defence, through the new Defence Housing Service, and Places for London, which we hope will achieve real benefits, not just for the veterans taking part, but for the construction industry and for wider housing development in London and beyond.
Delivering on the promises of the Defence Housing Strategy, we are taking a truly forces first approach to create real opportunities for veterans and employers, which have the potential to lead to lasting careers in the construction industry.
Laura Miller, Head of Skills and Growth at Places for London, said:
People leaving the Armed Forces bring an incredible range of skills, experience and qualities that can make a real difference to the built environment. Many veterans do not realise the range of opportunities available or how the skills they have developed during their military careers could open doors to something new.
Building Beyond Service aims to build on existing support, with us bringing together the Ministry of Defence, employers and training providers to create new pathways into the industry.
As one of London’s major developers, Places for London is in a unique position to bring industry partners together and turn that collaboration into real opportunities. Our first cohort of veterans is just the beginning. Our ambition is to build a programme that opens doors across the built environment, supports long-term career progression and helps develop the skilled workforce London needs.