We speak to Angela Forbes, chief executive of BuildForce, about how talented veterans can play a huge part in the success of UK housebuilders – a benefit to the individuals and the whole industry.
In a week of celebration of our Armed Forces I really want to share my own perspective of just a few of the traits our Armed Forces bring to construction and share with you some of our story – it is a story of the BuildForce success.
The press often paints a sorrowful picture of veterans, redundant after service, bereft with dispirit. In fact the opposite is true – what the Armed Forces do around training, development and leadership, is nothing short of remarkable. The Armed Forces start by providing the best apprenticeship training in the world, churning out some of the most elite, qualified and highly skilled individuals. Across engineering, logistics through to digital capability and everything in between, the Armed Forces is both leading, enabling and at the cutting edge of delivery. #WeCanLearnFromThem.
Also, arguably the military go faster, even with the immense unknowns on foreign terrain. However, we in industry can be restrained by bureaucracy, or working to a metric. They are predisposed to move faster than their adversaries, with that comes more risks something they are comfortable with. In fact, they’re brilliant at accepting high levels of risk, responding quicker whilst mandating the safety of each other. #WeCanLearnFromThem.
I’m always amazed at their loyalty to each other and selfless commitment in serving our nation. Whether it’s war or peace, seen or unseen, our Armed Forces are a source of inspiration, reassurance and pride. We must also thank our military families, military life has an impact on loved ones, and they too, are noble, heroic and selfless (they are also a great untapped talent pool that the construction industry is just coming to realise). #WeCanLearnFromThem.
I would encourage all of industry – to join us. As the original snowplough, we started doing this alone, and now it is a whole industry thing. That’s our superpower – shouting loud and bringing everyone together. Very few of our employers in industry had signed the Armed Forces Covenant when we first started, now it’s being signed more and more frequently; with many progressing to silver and gold, demonstrating the tide is turning. Our Armed Forces are not just resources for homebuilding and construction industry, they are assets.
Great examples of talent within our housebuilders include veteran Edward Hunter-Bradley, senior site manager with Persimmon Homes.
He said: “I became a BuildForce mentor to aid others leaving the Armed Forces looking for employment within the construction industry. Being a mentor has enabled me to share my experiences and help guide others through resettlement and seeking employment. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience to date.
“As a service leaver there is always a feeling of enormous pressure to succeed in your chosen field. My advice is to use that determination to succeed as your drive and focus to get the career and role you want! The skills you have learnt in the Forces are desirable and transferrable, they put you in good stead during recruitment process and again in your new employment and beyond.”
Sam Foster, veteran and senior site manager with Bellway Homes, commented: “Leaving the Forces can be a daunting thought. Having the understanding that your skills and attitude will be the driving force for your success outside of the Forces will provide you with the confidence to demonstrate your personality, leadership and integrity within the construction industry. BuildForce mentors are here to help your journey into the industry and provide you with the assurance that you can do this – you are not alone.”
Stephen Howell served in the RAF for over 22 years, leaving as a corporal, in 2011. “The most helpful aspects of using BuildForce was getting me an interview with my director. I’d been studying hard to obtain various construction qualifications but couldn’t get an entry in to a company. The support I gained from BuildForce was the key to unlocking access into the construction industry. Being able to talk to my director allowed me the chance to prove I was motivated and worth a trial. Once I had a foot in the door the rest was up to me.
Military skills Stephen uses in his day job include “self-discipline, organisational skills, computer skills, teamwork, strategic thinking.”
What advice would he give to someone considering joining BuildForce? “Do it! Retired military personnel make a great fit in the homebuilding economy. You will need to do some research, probably obtain some specific qualifications beforehand, but the options are virtually limitless.”
We are facing the most serious global set of challenges, as we transition to a pre-war period. With this talented lot defending us, the UK is safe, and industry will benefit from their talent when it’s their time to hang up their uniform. #WeCanLearnFromThem.
Source : Showhouse
