Veterans lay foundations for new careers

A group of military veterans are exploring new careers in construction.

Eleven former forces personnel and family members recently visited the Benwell Dene development, in Newcastle, to gain insight into life on a working building site. 

The visit was hosted by national housing specialist Lovell, which is currently delivering 146 build-to-rent homes at the site, in partnership with Placefirst.

The group has just completed a five-week course at Darlington College through Building Heroes, a charity that helps veterans transition into construction roles. 

Army Air Corps warrant officer John Kirtland was among those to take part in the visit to Benwell Dene.

John, who is leaving the Army in July, said: “It was a very interesting experience, and I would like to thank Lovell for organising the visit on behalf of myself and my fellow learners. 

“We were all fascinated to get a behind-the-scenes insight into exactly what it takes to build a new home as we saw homes at different stages of the build schedule.

“I am leaving the Army after 25 years, and it is good to know that people out there do care and that there is a scheme such as Building Heroes that helps people like me make the transition into civilian life and another career. 

“I am sure the skills I have acquired through the Building Heroes programme will stand me in good stead when I come to launch into a new career.” 

Lovell became a gold sponsoring partner of Building Heroes in 2024 and has supported veterans through training and employment initiatives nationwide.

Naz Singh, health, safety and environment manager at Lovell, added: “It was a pleasure to welcome learners from the Building Heroes programme at Darlington College to our site at Benwell Dene. 

“The site team was very happy to demonstrate the practical application of the skills the learners are acquiring at the college.

“We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, which means we will do all we can as a company to ensure those who serve, or have served, in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. 

“To solidify that commitment, we are supporting the excellent Building Heroes charity, which is helping members of the Armed Forces transition into second careers in the construction industry. 

“Retraining and repurposing skills learned in the forces is a great option for former service personnel, and we are keen to show those serving in the military that there are fantastic opportunities for rewarding careers across the housebuilding industry once they move into civilian life.”

Naz Singh gives a presentation to learners and staff from the Building Heroes programme at Darlington College during their visit to the Benwell Dene development, in Newcastle

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