Our highlights and our history

2023

BuildForce are delighted to have been part of the group involved with the Office of Veterans’ Affairs employers guide to hiring Veterans.

Our Chief Exec Angela Forbes advised “We are the champions of our ex-Forces in the construction industry, all of our employers, their supply chain and suppliers, should be considering our Veterans in growing their business. There is some great advice for our smaller businesses. Across industry we should all be hiring, retaining and developing our ex-Forces.”
Read the guide here: https://lnkd.in/eMDrtfca

2023

BuildForce are included in the 100 GREAT British Employers of Veterans is an annual snapshot and showcase of 100 leading Forces Friendly employers in the UK. The vast breadth of different companies from a large range of sectors who are all bonded by their appreciation of talent from the Armed Forces community.

The guide noted “BuildForce is the gateway to the construction industry and built environment, connecting employers to the Armed
Forces community while helping veterans soft land in a sector that makes use of their skills and values like no other.”

2023

BuildForce joins United Nation’s Race to Zero campaign

BuildForce are building our plan to cut our business emissions. By joining SME Climate Hub, we are committing to reduce our emissions.

Partnering with thousands of businesses and governments globally to reach net zero emissions by 2050; our team have pledged to achieve net zero by 2030.

2023

BuildForce becomes LGTB+ Committed

We are delighted to be a LGTB+ Committed Employer. We have committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. We have committed to communicating, promoting vacancies and offering an interview to LGTB+ people, who meet the minimum criteria for the job.

We are proud being LGTB+ Committed and promote this community within our employers and fully support this community into long term careers in construction.

2022

BuildForce are delighted to confirm our partnership with 27 Regiment RLC and the launch of the Tri-Service and Inter-Corps Boxing Competition 

BuildForce is delighted to announce our partnership with 27 Regiment RLC to raise awareness of the BuildForce Wellbeing & Sports programme, highlighting the benefits between sport and wellbeing.

The annual black-tie events, will bring our industry employers and the Armed Forces together, as our boxers compete in a knockout stage, ahead of a spectacular final. A glorious evening demonstrating the collaboration between the BuildForce, the construction industry and the Armed Forces.

2022

BuildForce launch Wellbeing & Sports Programme

At BuildForce, our career service focuses on supporting our ex-military community resettle into careers in construction. For a positive and healthy transition we need to ensure our service leavers, veterans, employers and our own team are placing equal importance on their wellbeing and fitness. At the heat of this is the great-outdoors, underpinned with a sense of community and a passion for sports and activity. With improved fitness levels, an awareness of our wellbeing and a friendship group for support, your resettlement will be a sustainable and positive experience. We are delighted to be launching our Wellbeing & Sports programme and look forward to rolling out our timetable of events to bring our communities together.

2022

BuildForce are delighted to be supported by ABF The Soldiers’ Charity

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is the Army’s national charity, for soldiers, past and present, and their families for life. As one of the largest funders in the sector, they award grants to individuals and families, and fund leading organisations that support soldiers, former soldiers, and their families. BuildForce are honoured to be selected as a partner of ABF, as they award us funding for our Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Programme.

Please click here to visit the website for more information.

2022

BuildForce becomes Disability Confident Committed

We are delighted to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer. We have committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. We have committed to communicating, promoting vacancies and offering an interview to disabled people, who meet the minimum criteria for the job.

We are proud  being Disability Confident Committed and promote this community within the Service Leavers, Veterans, Reservists and families we support into long term careers in construction.

2022

BuildForce launch Female Ex-Military Programme

We are delighted to launch a dedicated programme and funding stream for our female service leaver and veteran community. With females facing more barriers to employment then their male peers, this programme is established to provide structured support to ensure our female ex-military community are striving for the career they are capable of and one which suits their needs.

Our Female Ex-Military Programme aims to increase the engagement of women into long term, professional careers in construction and the wider built environment.  In partnership with our employers,  the programme offers a unique range of services to aid the resettlement period, leading directly to a rewarding career.

The programme is led by professional women within the BuildForce team, to ensure all aspects of resettlement of our female ex-military are addressed.

2021

BuildForce awarded Gold

Angela Forbes, Chief Exec commented: “The ERS Gold represents the highest badge of honour, and we are absolutely thrilled BuildForce has been recognised.”

Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Leo Docherty said: “The vast range of those recognised this year demonstrates how employing the Armed Forces community makes a truly positive and beneficial impact for all employers.”

Caroline Logan, Programme Director commented: “Thanks to our employers and mentors who provide a magnitude of support in addition to their day jobs and to the exceptional talent of our military personnel!”

Click here to watch the ERS Gold Video.

2021

BuildForce support the Invictus Games

The Invictus Games Foundation, who support wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women through the power of sport, joined forces with BuildForce for their ‘Employment and Employability: The Invictus Community’ conference. Joined by international organisations & supporters, the panel discussed veteran programs & opportunities.

Angela Forbes, Chief Exec commented: “BuildForce are immensely honoured to be supporting the Invictus Games Foundation; and the wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women into employment.”

Click here to watch the event and click here to read the Executive Summary.

2021

BuildForce celebrate National Lottery Community Fund Partnership

BuildForce are delighted to be partnering with The National Lottery Community Fund. The National Lottery Awards selected BuildForce and our Mental Health Programme, to support our ongoing work with those isolated and lonely due to the impact of Covid restrictions.

Bernie Graham, BuildForce Mental Health lead commented: “Our military and veteran community really have been affected by the restrictions imposed. We need to do more to support this vulnerable community through engagement, team activities, connecting them with others, enjoying outdoor pursuits and importantly listening to them. This funding gives us the ability to continue the excellent work BuildForce already do in this space.”

2021

BuildForce celebrate Veterans’ Foundation Partnership

BuildForce are delighted to be supported by the Veterans’ Foundation. The Veterans’ Foundation has been set up to help fund charities and other charitable organisations that are helping serving and former members of the Armed Forces, and their dependants, who are in need.

The Veterans’ Foundation raises its money through the Veterans’ Lottery and donations. To date, it has given £2 million out in grants to 140 organisations, many of them smaller but very worthwhile charities, which are helping members of the Armed Forces community.  The charities and other organisations we have helped include those tackling the challenges of mental and physical injuries, homelessness, unemployment, children’s loss of parents while serving and remembrance.

Please click here to visit the website for more information.

2021

BuildForce celebrate Cobseo membership

Cobseo, as the Confederation of Service Charities, provides a single point of contact for interaction with Government, including local government and the Devolved Administrations; with the Royal Household; with the Private Sector; and, of course, with other members of the Armed Forces Community. This allows Cobseo Members to interact with all interested parties and especially to cooperate and collaborate with others in order to provide the best possible level of support to beneficiaries.

The stated objectives of Cobseo are to represent, promote, and further the interests of the Armed Forces Community, which were recognised to align fully with BuildForce.

2021

BuildForce celebrate 10-year milestone

Chief Exec Angela Forbes commented “Since our launch in 2011, BuildForce has grown from strength to strength. We wanted to thank each and every one of you, for your support. To our Service Leavers & Veterans, Mentors, Employers, Funders and Supporters – you have made BuildForce something incredibly special and have played an important part in getting us here today.

We set out to create formal pathways between the military community and the construction industry. Our aim is simple: to establish direct links with employers; provide visibility on careers with the training to access them; and to ensure you – our brilliant and talented Service Leavers and Veterans – are supported and valued as you transition into our wonderful industry.

We feel honoured to serve you and hope we are making a difference.”

2021

BuildForce delighted to be announced as HS2 military Job Brokerage Partner.

Brigadier (Retired) Mike Hickson OBE, HS2 Ltd.’s Programme Integration Office (PIO) Director said: “I’m really pleased to see this initiative launched and delighted that HS2 is involving BuildForce as its military job brokerage partner.”

Angela Forbes, BuildForce Chief Executive commented: “With the support of HS2 we are creating opportunities both for our country and for those who have served it. We look forward to collaborating with the wider ex-Services community to create an incredible offering on this tremendous project.”

Caroline Logan, BuildForce Programme Director added: “I am absolutely delighted to cement our ongoing relationship with HS2 , recognising the great work we are already doing in this space.”

2020

BuildForce is delighted to announce our partnership with Forces in Mind Trust.

Ray Lock CBE, Chief Executive of FiMT said: “Many military charities and supporters are struggling to continue to fund vital services due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. We have been working with BuildForce for some time now to improve access to the construction industry, and we recognize that their offer can be life changing, providing opportunities for veterans and communicating to employers the valuable skills and experiences of those who have served in the Armed Forces.

Angela Forbes, BuildForce Chief Executive added: “The UK is transitioning itself through significant challenges of Covid-19 and Brexit, with huge growth expected.  This is an opportune moment, to really push the agenda of ex-Service employment and equally support our veterans translate their skills and realise their worth. We are excited to be on board with FiMT and further support our veterans.”  Click here to read more.

2020

BuildForce awarded silver in the Armed Forces Covenant ERS

Phil Marks, Account Manager, Defence Relationship Management (DRM), stated: “It was a pleasure to work with Caroline on the successful 2021 BuildForce ERS Silver nomination. BuildForce has consistently shown a high level of support to the people within Defence and have built lasting and productive relationships with leading industry organisations in support of Service Leavers moving into their next careers. BuildForce were rightly awarded ERS Silver in recognition of the work they are doing and I look forward to working with them on a future ERS Gold nomination.”

Caroline Logan, BuildForce Programme Director added: “The signing of the Armed Forces Covenant last year was one of the highlights of my career, so I am delighted, BuildForce has now been awarded silver. It is an honour to support our ex-services into their next chapter and I continue to be humbled and inspired by their breadth of skills, personality and tenacity.”

2020

First bespoke CPD training modules for service Veterans launched by UCEM and BuildForce

UCEM Principal, Ashley Wheaton, commented: “BuildForce does such great work in plotting career paths for service leavers within the construction industry and I am glad that we can add our name to the list of industry partners the programme works with to support both personnel and the industry”.

BuildForce Chief Exec Angela Forbes, added: “This partnership brings the added value of directly linking those veterans who wish to further their education. UCEM offers a host of construction related degrees and these modules offer an insight into what’s available.”

2020

BuildForce continue working in partnership with The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Our Service Leaver programme has secured funding, for the second time, from The Royal Foundation.

The Royal Foundation’s Veterans Employment Programme is the creation of a portfolio of programmes that strive to support veterans and service leavers in their transition from the Armed Forces into civilian life.

This programme aims to create employment opportunities for veterans, service leavers and their families.

2019

BuildForce proudly launch Mental Health & Suicide Awareness programme

Our collaboration with Mental Health and Support Training and Consultancy Limited will role out Stress Management workshops and provide 1-2-1 mental health support.

Mental Health lead Bernie Graham advised “I have a long established working relationship with both Angela, Lendlease and the construction industry, combined with decades of experience with the Armed Forces, I am very much looking forward to supporting BuildForce and leading this part of their programme.”

Angela Forbes, BuildForce Chief Exec “Bernie and I have worked together for years, supporting colleagues on construction sites across London – I have seen first hand the positive impact he has made. Bernie is a welcomed addition to our team, where we will all learn much from him.”

2019

BuildForce is successful on the CITB Career Commission – Pathways into Construction programme.

Led by Lendlease, BuildForce helps veterans secure jobs in construction and undertake training which then leads to jobs in construction.

BuildForce is excited to join forces with delivery partner Wilson James, whose national reach,  strong and successful presence in industry and their incredible military routes, will provide the strength and depth to deliver these large-scale targets.

University College Estate Management will deliver bespoke learning activities; developing more accessible and inclusive learning pathways to meet the needs of industry.

Our collaboration with Mental Health and Support Training and Consultancy Limited (CITB approved trainer) will role out Stress Management workshops and provide 1-2-1 mental health support.

2019

BuildForce sign the Armed Forces Covenant

BuildForce signed the Armed Forces Covenant at Horse Guards with Brigadier Andrew Wright

Brigadier Wright commented: “The support of employers is vital to Defence People objectives, including the recruitment and retention of Reservists, the employment of veterans and service spouses/partners and the Cadets movement.”

Caroline Logan added: “I am delighted to be signing The Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of BuildForce.  I have enjoyed supporting our ex-military candidates into an industry which is often over-looked; helping them to realise their true potential and transferable skills has been the highlight of my career and being instrumental in their next chapter has been a great honour.”

read more

2018

New partnership with The Royal Foundation announced!

BuildForce is delighted to confirm we are working in partnership with The Royal Foundation, the primary charitable vehicle of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

This exciting relationship will allow BuildForce to run a series of Insight Days and support our service leavers in securing work placements and job opportunities. Construction is an incredibly exciting and dynamic place to work and is looking to attract more diverse and skilled talent.

We look forward to this new partnership and thank The Royal Foundation for their belief in BuildForce.

2018

Angela Forbes, confirmed as BuildForce Chief Executive in January 2018.

Angela Forbes, Lendlease commercial director since 2012, is one of the founding partners of BuildForce and sits on the Steering Group, she succeeds Morgan Sindall director of defence, Andy Parker.

Angela Forbes said: “Ten years ago I asked Lendlease for support because I wanted to do more to help our service leavers, veterans and our industry. Since then, BuildForce has grown into something quite remarkable. I’m honoured to be asked to be its new chair.”

Angela will be responsible for driving the strategic direction of BuildForce and delivering excellence to industry and our military community.

2017

BuildForce launch Phase 3 at Tower of London

The much anticipated launch of BuildForce’s CITB-funded programme, will see a UK-wide roll out of the successful BuildForce programme.

On the evening, speakers included Andrew Parker, director of defence for Morgan Sindall and ex-RAF programme manager. Mark Noonan, CITB industry relations manager, confirmed the CITB are providing substantial funding for this programme so that we can start plugging the skills gap.  Major General Richard Semple CBE, director of information for the army and former royal engineer, discussed the two-year transition period for people leaving the military. Final speaker Mark Farmer advised “Over the next 10 years one in four people will leave the industry through retirement. The loss of 25% of our industry is a major problem as a standalone challenge.…”

Watch video

2016

Andy Parker, Director of Defence Morgan Sindall confirmed as BuildForce Chair.

Andy is both co-founder and Steering Group member.

Andy is a veteran himself, having served for 27 years with the Royal Air Force as Programme Manager.

“With 120,000 ex-services personnel currently without work in the UK and around 14,000 more leaving the services annually, BuildForce aims to smooth the military-to-construction transition.”

2016

CIOB Armed Forces Parliamentary Reception

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is backing BuildForce to recruit armed forces personnel into the construction industry.

The formal launch at a parliamentary reception was hosted by Johnny Mercer MP, a former British Army Officer. Since becoming a BuildForce Alliance Partner, the CIOB has promoted BuildForce to its 48,000 strong membership as the go-to organisation for recruiting service leavers. On a local level the CIOB attends military exit fayres to introduce management level careers in construction to service leavers. The CIOB has also amplified the important work of BuildForce to policy makers through various parliamentary receptions.

Chris Chivers, CIOB President spoke at the event and praised the talent of the Armed Forces.

Watch the launch

2016

Arming the construction industry for the future

CIOB and BuildForce issue a paper around industry’s appetite for recruiting our Service Leavers and Veterans.

The new campaign to connect the industry with those who have a military background and are looking for an exciting new career. CIOB message to ex-service men and women is not to undervalue their skills but to aim for management level careers in construction.

view brochure

2016

Phase 3 National roll-out commences

Following our hugely successful phase 2 programme, BuildForce has secured further CITB funding from the Structured and Flexible Fund. Delivery is for training and individual support of service leavers to translate existing skills and access sustainable employment opportunities in construction across the UK.

Contracting entity and programme lead Lendlease, supported by founders Carillion, Crossrail, Ernst Young, Morgan Sindall and Wilson James.

Watch video

2015

BBC Two – Alex Polizzi: Hire Our Heroes

Angela Forbes takes part in this series with BBC Two.

Alex Polizzi works to get jobless military veterans off the civvy-street scrapheap, fighting for employers to recognise highly skilled military skillsets in men too often dismissed as mad, bad or sad.

Angela and her employer Lendlease are providing employment for one of the veterans, who are recognised for their belief and support with this  valuable and untapped resource pool.

Watch more

2015

50 Service Leavers join the first BuildForce Online Chat 

50 service leavers joined the very first BuildForce online chat posing a range of questions about the industry to our panel of experts. Hosted by the BuildForce team and delivery partner Construction Youth Trust, members of the expert panel included former service-leavers who have succeeded in industry, were on-hand to offer advice on the best routes into construction.

2015

First 3-day BuildForce training event; a huge success!

12 service leavers joined BuildForce for the first ever 3-day construction training event. Spread across 3 days, the free course was held at Kings Cross Training Centre in London.

Attending the event was Ben Limb, 22, who served five years with the 2 Para Engineers and spoke about how he is building a new career in construction. He left the army last year and, following a BuildForce event at RAF Northolt, was offered a traineeship with large construction firm, Carey’s.  After a chat with his bosses at Carey’s they agreed to fund him to study a degree in quantity surveying.

Read more

2014

BuildForce first Industry insight day creates huge success

BuildForce kicks off their first industry insight day, to record numbers. A programme of industry days will now run.  On offer will be employers offering valuable work placements in various roles within the construction industry.

It is hopeful the work placements will bridge the expanding skills gap and provide service leavers with a new career path.

2013

The armed services and construction are coming closer together, through a new campaign to encourage recruitment from the forces

Construction Manager runs our first feature article, telling industry about our plight and recent success.

read more

2013

Phase 2 commences – Built Environment Awareness with Armed Forces

BuildForce is successful; our new job brokerage service is set up to help smooth the transition into construction careers for hundreds of soldiers, sailors and air crew leaving the Armed Forces. Delivering direct employment opportunities, industry awareness days, and accredited work placements.

Part funded by the CITB, coordinated by industry charity the Construction Youth Trust (CYT) and supported by industry employers Carillion, Crossrail, EY, Lendlease, Morgan Sindall, and Wilson James with project manager Circle Three consulting.

Watch our launch video here

2013

BuildForce’s Angela Forbes was invited to lunch with Lord Ashcroft along with other industry representatives.

Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC, in his role as the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Veterans’ Transition, is conducting a review into every aspect of move to civilian life for those leaving the Armed Forces.  In his role as the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Veterans’ Transition, Lord Ashcroft has considered the policies and provision for Service Leavers in areas including education, training, employment, health, housing, welfare, finance and information. He has also looked at the operation of Service charities and the role of advocacy, including the delivery of the Armed Forces Covenant.

The independent Review has consulted widely with the Armed Forces, the MOD and other government bodies, industry and the Third Sector, and has heard directly from hundreds of Service Leavers about their experience of transition.

Read the Veterans' transition review

2011

BuildForce is launched

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