College builds charity link to help support military personnel who are looking for a career change into construction

Staff from West Suffolk College and Building Heroes with recently graduated students

A local college has partnered with a national charity to support service personnel, including military, reservists, army, navy, RAF, and their families, who are looking to transition into civilian careers within the construction industry.

The collaboration is between West Suffolk College and the multi-award-winning charity, Building Heroes. Together, these two organisations conduct five-week courses, providing participants with a range of new skills, including bricklaying, carpentry, decorating, electrical work, joinery, plastering, and plumbing. Graduates of the programme receive a Level 1 City & Guilds Diploma in Basic Construction, a CSCS card, and a Level One Health and Safety Award.

The Russell Skills Academy, managed by Building Heroes, is hosted in partnership with Vistry Group and is situated in the heart of their new Bovis Homes development in Coggleshall, Essex.

The learners, all from the military community, are taught by highly skilled and enthusiastic tutors from West Suffolk College. Each learner is provided with their own workspace during the programme, allowing them to develop their skills and confidence. They receive support from both tutors and the Building Heroes academy lead, dedicated to providing skills development and wraparound welfare support as needed.

At the conclusion of each course, a small 'graduation' ceremony is held. As the new training partner, West Suffolk College proudly hosted the graduation for the 41st Graduating Cohort in Essex.

Curt, 54, from Colchester reflected on his time on the course at the ceremony. Curt said: “I’ve been doing some work on my own house, and I’m interested in property development and DIY. It (the course) has given me more experience (of construction) and I found it very interesting, and it has given me new disciplines. The transition from the military to ‘civvy street’ can be quite difficult so this has been a good opportunity”.

He continues: “The tutors (from West Suffolk College) were patient, professional and outstanding. In terms of doing the course he added: “It’s not just the skills you learn but also it helps with confident and opens doors for you. I’d recommend it to others.”

Elliot, 23, from Colchester also studied on the course and is currently in the parachute regiment but leaves the forces next year. He said: “I was motivated to get involved as before I was in the army, I was a plumbers mate so I had a bit of experience and when I finish I am going on to an apprenticeship in this trade. I found the programme and support was good and the opportunity to do different trades in four to five weeks and see which one you like the most is really useful.”

Emily Gellard is the head of personal and professional curriculum. She said: “I helped get the project underway and it has been great. Huge numbers of adult learners are getting in touch about construction and this programme is a unique opportunity for those who have a connection to the forces to learn a host of new skills on a building site.”

She continues, “It’s been amazing and so positive. Congratulations to all the learners involved and thanks to Building Heroes. It’s a three-year project and we can’t wait to support more ex-veterans or people who are coming to the end of their careers in the forces. Most people have some connection to the forces so it’s a proud moment for us to be able to help them find a new career after serving for their country.”

Clare Guest, academy lead at Building Heroes said: “This was our 41st cohort in Colchester but our first in conjunction with West Suffolk College and it’s gone brilliantly.  We’ve had great feedback from the students, and it was great to be able to recognise their achievements at the graduation ceremony – although we pride ourselves on continuing to support everyone in the future – not just while they are on the course.”

She continues: “One of this cohort has already set up their own business and we have many other positive outcomes in the pipeline. For anyone who reads this and wants to get involved I’d say that this is a great opportunity for people to learn new skills and consider a career path that they maybe hadn’t thought about before - and it’s a good environment to be in with like-minded people who have a connection to the military.”

Building Heroes are committed to building new partnerships with industry stakeholders, including colleges, academies, and the broader community. They help serve those who have served the nation, helping them transition from service to successful civilian lives. If you would like to partner with them or hear more about this current partnership and how you can support us, get in touch at info@buildingheroes.org.uk