SUPPORTING EX-SERVICE PERSONNEL WITH CAREERS IN CONSTRUCTION

Construction is a diverse sector, offering a vast range of job opportunities. Employing a skilled and talented workforce is essential, especially in such a competitive industry. Few sectors have the same potential to provide large numbers of high-skilled, well-paid jobs, and because the industry is so vital, there is rarely a shortage of opportunities. According to a new forecast published by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), 217,000 new workers will be needed in construction by 2025 to keep up with demand. However, with almost a fifth (17%) of those working in construction aged over 55, the sector needs to develop a flow of new entrants into the industry to tackle skills shortages and deliver future projects.

With a highly transferable skillset, ex-military personnel are ideally placed to fill the construction skills gap. As of 1st January 2024, the British Armed Forces consist of 183,130 personnel, with approximately 15,000 leavers each year, creating a sea of potential employees for the construction industry. Working in construction allows service leavers to put their experience to good use, offering a multitude of roles at all levels – from construction workers to management and leadership roles. Seddon is particularly proud to support the UK Armed Forces Community, and we recognise the wide variety of transferable skills that former military personnel can contribute to our industry. Today’s armed forces have unrivalled experience, excellent personal qualities and are accustomed to operating in the most complex of environments, maximising the benefits of teamwork. Project RECCE (Resettlement, Education, Construction, Community,Employment) is a charity dedicated to helping ex-military personnel find work in the UK construction industry.Their goal is to create pathways into employment through networking, training, and strategic partnerships.

Seddon became one such partner in 2022, and have been working closely with the initiative to identify how we can help in terms of sharing employment processes, as well as offering career advice and interview guidance. Seddon have been particularly beneficial to RECCE’s Pathways into Employment Course, which is designed to fill the gaps that exist when leaving the military and transitioning into the civilian workforce, which can be a difficult time of significant upheaval. Seddon look forward to continuing to grow this partnership with RECCE, and hope to continue to make a difference to the lives of our ex-military community.