Programme for ex-armed forces secures Training Provider status
A Community Interest Company that delivers a career transition programme for ex-armed forces personnel has become a CIOB Training Provider.
Project RECCE – which works with the support of Balfour Beatty – is a course that allows leavers to gain full-time employment within the construction industry in order to support veteran transition and reduce construction skills shortage. For those with existing construction experience, whether gained in the military or construction industry, there is a fast-track scheme to assist with employment opportunities.
The course is led by operations director and co-founder of Project RECCE, Laurence (Loz) Moore, a retired officer of the Mercian Regiment, and is overseen by clinical director Susan McCormack, who takes measures to produce demonstrable evidence that the course is beneficial and identifies and reduces any potential risks.
The course finishes with a work trial where the individual has the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learnt and promote experience, transferable skills, and themselves, to potential construction industry employers.
The Project RECCE programme develops veterans in various areas:
- Veterans complete a ‘Resilience to Civilian Life’ programme delivered by the clinical team.
- They learn about the industry and develop employability skills.
- They gain qualifications in health and safety and construction, including the CSCS test.
- They secure employment and join an online community network for ongoing mentoring and support.
Project RECCE co-founders Laurence Moore and Neil Houlihan
This programme combines remote learning and engagement with group delivery on live construction projects.
Based in the north west, Project RECCE has garnered much support from national contractors and organisations. Balfour Beatty partners the programme and has recruited Project RECCE ‘graduates’ as has Morgan Sindall, which championed the cause in Liverpool and Wirral and is looking to provide employment opportunities at University of Salford. One recent Balfour Beatty recruit is now working towards MCIOB.
Those leading the course are also on their own professional journeys with the CIOB. Having passed Level 6 in Construction Contract Management, Moore has also been accepted onto the route to Chartered Status MCIOB and Project RECCE co-founder Neil Houlihan, director of Nomad Construction Training, is working towards his Fellowship.
Project RECCE is currently on the planning journey to secure a permanent base providing a venue for hands-on training and a drop-in centre in Stockport.
During the lockdown period courses have been running online. The next two-week courses start on 5 and 16 October.
