South West Forces lay foundations for civilian careers
A south west housebuilder is shouting about the career
opportunities for ex-military
personnel in the region. Research from the Royal British Legion has shown discrimination was making it difficult for veterans to find jobs after leaving the armed forces. However, David Wilson Homes in the south west – which is headquartered in Bristol – says it actively recruits ex forces because they make great site managers. It’s currently running a dedicated training programme which has been specially designed to help former forces personnel qualify as assistant site managers. Among those benefitting from it in the south west are ex forces Duncan Foster and Nick Pilkington, who are working at sites in Beckington and Thornbury respectively. Duncan Foster, originally from Carlisle but now living in Bristol completed the programme in November 2017 and is now working as an assistant site manager at David Wilson Homes’ De Cheney Gardens development in Beckington. He said: “There are some really good opportunities out there and David Wilson Homes really appreciates the skills that ex military people have. As a company they have supported my transition from the forces to civilian life and the training they have provided me in order to progress has been second to none.”
Nick Pilkington is also singing the praises of a career change to the housebuilding industry from the military. The 28-year old, who used to be in the military police within the Army, said: “It’s refreshing to have a job where you go home at the end of the day and know that you won’t get sent half way around the world at short notice. It means I get to spend a lot more time with my friends and family. Plus it’s great working outside, especially in weather like we’re having at the moment!” Nick, who is originally from Kent but now lives in Highbridge, is currently halfway through David Wilson Homes’ training programme and working at the company’s popular Park Farm development in Thornbury near Bristol. He hopes to qualify as an assistant site manager in November. David Wilson
Homes’ construction director,
Gareth Neale, says the skills developed by members of the armed forces make them perfect for management roles in the thriving construction industry. “We find former armed service personnel have strong leadership and management skills, as well as an ability to think outside the box, work under pressure and maintain the very highest of standards. They’re all the attributes that make a top site or project manager,” he said. Gareth, who is ex military himself, added: “This isn’t just a short-term opportunity either. We
David Wilson Homes' construction director, Gareth Neale
really do see our site managers and project managers of the future on this programme and there will be plenty of opportunities for those who are passionate and ambitious to have a very successful career with David Wilson.” To find out more about careers with David Wilson Homes visit
www.dwh.co.uk.
South Wales housebuilder offers home and career opportunities to forces personnel
Serving military personnel in South Wales are being given extra help to get on – or move up – the housing ladder.
Barratt Homes is pledging its support to local armed forces by giving them access to a dedicated buying scheme. It came as the five-star housebuilder – and people across the country – celebrated Armed Forces
Day.Barratt Homes is running an Armed Forces deposit contribution scheme which offers anyone who serves in the Army, Navy or RAF thousands of pounds off the cost of a property. Te five-star housebuilder gives them a £500 discount for every £25,000 or part thereof on the cost of the property up to a maximum contribution of £5,000. It can be used at Barratt’s developments across the region, including those in Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, Pontypool and Barry. As well as Barratt/David Wilson Homes’ deposit contribution, Armed Forces members can also take advantage of the Forces Help to Buy Scheme which aims to make it easier for servicemen and women who are first-time buyers or those who need to move due to a change in circumstances to purchase a new home with a 5% deposit and 75% mortgage. Barratt Homes, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, is also helping ex-forces start new careers when they leave the military. It is currently celebrating the third birthday of its ex- forces recruitment scheme. Te trainee assistant site manager programme for the Armed Forces
8
community scheme takes ex forces personnel and trains them to become assistant site managers over the course of a year. Te pilot started with a pilot of seven applicants and this year it is taking on 46. Among those who have benefitted from the scheme is Cardiff resident, Matthew Kennedy. Te 36-year-old, who was in the Royal Artillery in the Army for four years and is currently working on Barratt Homes’ St Michael’s Gate development in Llantarnam, said:
“I’m really enjoying the
career change. It means I get to spend a lot more time with my friends and family. “You learn a lot of skills in the forces that translate well into a career in construction. My military background gave me the confidence to direct a building site. Communication is really important.” Matthew applied for Barratt Homes’ training scheme aſter reading about it online. He said: “I’d been doing some carpentry aſter I’d leſt the Army and when I heard about the Barratt scheme I thought it was perfect. I’m really glad I got onto the scheme and, all being well, I should qualify in September.” To find out more about careers with Barratt Homes visit
https://www.barrattcareers.co.uk/ and to find out about its Armed Forces Discount Scheme visit
https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/ offers/armed-forces-deposit-contribution/
Matthew Kennedy is benefiting from the Barratt Homes’ ex-forces recruitment scheme
New Homes Wales and the South West
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