A total of 100 former military personnel have now found jobs in the construction industry through the BuildForce initiative, chaired by Angela Forbes, a commercial director of Lendlease.
BuildForce was set up in late 2016 to address the construction skills shortage by offering second careers to those who have previously worked in the armed forces.
Its 100th placement was Nick Channer, who joined Wilson James following a thirty-five year career in the British Army.
BuildForce provides service leavers with one-to-one mentoring support, identifying transferrable skills, training, CV advice, work placements and job opportunities.
Forbes said: “This is a fine example of BuildForce working brilliantly with our Service Leavers – attracting Nick’s calibre and unique skillset strengthens our own Industry. We will continue to bring in the diverse talents of our Service Leavers into Construction and look forward to our next 100.”
Channer added: “BuildForce made a massive difference to me during my transition and I would encourage other Service Leavers to approach the organisation, even those who may not directly be considering a career in construction – the span of opportunities is much wider than some might think.”
Wilson James is a founding partner of BuildForce, along with EY, Lendlease, Morgan Sindall and the BuildForce Alliance of industry employers.
Gary Sullivan, chairman of Wilson James: “Recruiting Nick through BuildForce is also very special; as co-founders and supporters, it is great to know BuildForce can deliver exceptional individuals like Nick who will, I am sure, be an Ambassador for Service Leavers going forward.”
