The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has renewed its support for BuildForce, the organisation which connects service leavers and veterans with opportunities in construction, ahead of Armed Forces Day (27 June).
Ex-military personnel develop strong transferrable skills in the forces such as leadership, project and team management, but often lack specific construction knowledge. BuildForce helps to bridge that gap, providing access to training, mentoring and working with sector organisations and employers to help them gain built-environment qualifications and key industry connections before they leave the services.
The CIOB itself recognises many military qualifications as part of the membership application process and provides programmes that can support those who do not have the necessary construction experience into a professional qualifications, such as Chartered status with the CIOB.
Since becoming a BuildForce Alliance Partner, the CIOB has promoted BuildForce to its 48,000 strong membership as the go-to organisation for recruiting service leavers. On a local level the CIOB attends military exit fairs to introduce management level careers in construction to service leavers. The CIOB has also amplified the important work of BuildForce to policy makers through various parliamentary receptions.
Caroline Gumble, chief executive of the CIOB, said: “It’s important to collaborate to establish and strengthen recruitment paths into our sector, with routes from the armed forces into construction being a key part of that.
“These are dedicated professionals who have a great deal to offer to the construction sector and acknowledging that is important, while supporting our ex-military personnel, driving construction forward and boosting the UK economy.”
Caroline Logan, BuildForce programme director, said: “BuildForce has been working with the CIOB since 2016, and their support to the programme has been instrumental. They have helped expand our Alliance by encouraging their partners to engage and get involved, adding further value to our mentor network.
“We are therefore delighted the CIOB have signed our Veteran Charter, a pledge of their continued support and look forward to developing our relationship and further engaging within their wider cohort connecting with our military talent pool and securing further employment into the construction sector.”
