Armed Forces personnel have been given a kick-start in careers with the construction industry as part of the Wates Group’s pledge to support veterans and ex-service leavers in partnership with Buildforce.
Wates hosted an exclusive Buildforce Insight Day to give Veterans and those leaving the Armed Forces the opportunity to learn about the diverse careers in construction and the built environment, as well as connecting them with potential employers.
Held in Manchester, the event provided the opportunity to talk to key employers from the BuildForce Alliance, discuss transferable skills, CV advice, training and employment opportunities.
Wates’ Group Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Director, John Dunne, and Regional Managing Director, Gary Wilkinson, who are both former Armed Forces members were guest speakers at the event. They shared their experiences of leaving the military and pursuing a career in the construction industry.
John Dunne, Group Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Director at Wates, said: “Wates has supported previous BuildForce events and hosting our first insight day has been a valuable opportunity for us to further connect with ex-military personnel to provide support and advice on careers in the industry. We look forward to continuing to work with BuildForce to help to reduce industry skills gaps and hosting other locations in the future.”
This latest event strengthens Wates’ growing partnership with industry-led BuildForce, which recently saw Wates sign the BuildForce’s Veteran Alliance Charter, designed to support ex-service personnel into sustainable employment in the construction industry.
Caroline Logan, Buildforce Programme Director, commented: “Our eighth Armed Forces insight day in Manchester hosted by Wates was received well by our ex-military delegates and our employers were impressed with the calibre and great connections made. Our insight days are important to our Veterans and Service Leavers and wouldn’t be possible without our lead host and attendance from our Alliance partners, thanks to Wates for making this one happen.”
BuildForce promotes the construction industry and the built environment to Veterans and Service Leavers, connecting them to construction careers through a UK-wide alliance of employers, industry bodies and charities; supported by the Government, part-funded by the CITB and working in partnership with The Royal Foundation.
Header image shows from left to right Wates Group Health and Safety, Environmental and Quality Director John Dunne, BuildForce Programme Director Caroline Logan and Wates Regional Managing Director Gary Wilkinson.
