A new skills academy offering fully-funded training programmes to military veterans will launch in February at the Drayton highways depot in Oxfordshire.
The Building Heroes Highways Training Academy will be sponsored by Oxfordshire County Council’s principal highways contractor M Group and delivered by military charity Building Heroes. The training will be provided by C&G Services.
The academy aims to support the transition to civilian life while also building the skills needed to maintain the region’s road network.
Service leavers and veterans joining the four-week programmes will have the opportunity to gain industry-recognised qualifications, including the New Roads and Street Works Act certification and Construction Skills Certification Scheme accreditation, alongside hands-on training in areas including traffic management and emergency first aid.
Each cohort of around eight people will also be offered interview opportunities with M Group Highways.
Richard Lovewell, business director at M Group Highways, said: “M Group is very proud to be sponsoring the Building Heroes Highways Academy. We recognise the enormous potential of armed forces leavers and want to support them as they build meaningful civilian careers.
“Through this ongoing partnership and investment, we hope the participants see the value and opportunities that M Group can offer as we develop the vital skills required to maintain our highways.”
Chris Charles, chief executive at Building Heroes Education Foundation, added: “Supporting members of the Armed Forces community into meaningful civilian employment is central to our charitable purpose.
“This academy will equip learners with recognised skills and qualifications while supporting Oxfordshire County Council and our partners in developing a skilled and resilient highways workforce that benefits the wider community.”
