Will Draper left the Army in 2013 after 8 years serving in the Royal Engineers, latterly as Lance Corporal. He was a Combat Engineer and trained bricklayer, responsible for supporting Battlegroups in explosive methods of entry, searching for IEDs, setting up water points and constructing and maintaining Forward Operating Bases. He finished his service on ‘Op Herrick 18’ where they dismantled a 35m Logistics Supply Bridge which had been installed circa. 10 years. It was their job to get it dismantled, back to camp and transported back to the UK.

During his service, Will received very basic construction skills which formed a good base to work from to increase his knowledge; further gaining basic IT qualifications, communication skills and team working, although he didn’t get a certificate for these, the exposure he had whilst serving with others put him in good stead for civvy street. Will undertook an undergraduate degree and went to work for BuidForce’s founding partner, Morgan Sindall on a trainee scheme which later lead to him securing his current role as Assistant Quantity Surveyor for McLaren Construction Group Ltd. Will found FEHE scheme, whereby his tuition fees were covered an important part of his
transition as the courses he studied through the Army Learning Centre enabled him to build his IT and numeracy skills and got him into ‘Study Mode’. Will found the most challenging part of his transition was the financial aspect, as he had to take a large backward step in order to pursue a new career. He felt Organisations were looking for degree-qualified personnel thus his decision to undertake a degree. Sometimes, he found the studying academically challenging but nothing that hard work and grit couldn’t overcome. He also felt collaboration from the construction industry at Careers Fairs and more flexibility from Chain of Command in terms of attending courses and personal development would have eased his transition.
Working as a QS, Will is responsible for the financial and contractual elements of construction projects. Very broadly, he is responsible for procuring works packages and valuing works in accordance to the contract and ensuring cost control on projects. A typical day would be putting together Scopes of Works and measuring works carried out, negotiating with suppliers to ensure the best rates are being obtained, communicating with the supply chain to make sure terms and conditions of the contract are agreed and discussing any areas that are not yet in agreement. Negotiating with Sub Contractors to ensure they are buying their services at the best possible price. Working with numbers is a critical part of Will’s role, ensuring people get paid the correct amount at the correct time.

Asked what advice he would give to someone leaving the Forces who was considering a career in construction:

“Communication is key in construction, regardless of what discipline. The ability to both communicate your ideas and thoughts clearly and efficiently, but probably more importantly listening. Teamwork is a big thing as nothing is achieved by one individual. Manage your
expectations. The likelihood that you will leave and jump into a senior position on a high salary is very unlikely. Accept that you need to go back a few steps in terms of title, responsibility and pay and embrace the challenge to rise up again. Become a sponge for information and be pro-active. You can climb the ladder very quickly in this industry. Apply the ethos that is drummed into you in the military and you will stand out from the crowd and excel.”

And finally, when asked which three words would he use to describe an Ex-Military person to a recruiter from the construction industry?
“Challenging, vibrant and rewarding – GETS THINGS DONE”