College builds links to help support military personnel looking for career change

A local college has partnered with a national charity to support service personnel, including military, reservists, army, navy, RAF, and their families, who are looking to transition into civilian careers within the construction industry.

The collaboration is between West Suffolk College and the award-winning charity Building Heroes. Together, these two organisations conduct five-week courses, providing participants with a range of new skills, including bricklaying, carpentry, decorating, electrical work, joinery, plastering, and plumbing. Graduates of the programme receive a Level 1 City & Guilds Diploma in Basic Construction, a CSCS card, and a Level One Health and Safety Award.

The Russell Skills Academy, managed by Building Heroes, is hosted in partnership with Vistry Group and is situated in the heart of their new Bovis Homes development in Coggleshall, Essex.

The learners, all from the military community, are taught by highly skilled and enthusiastic tutors from West Suffolk College. Each learner is provided with their own workspace during the programme, allowing them to develop their skills and confidence. They receive support from both tutors and the Building Heroes academy lead, dedicated to providing skills development and wraparound welfare support as needed.

Elliot, 23, from Colchester, also studied on the course and is currently in the parachute regiment but leaves the forces next year. He said: “I was motivated to get involved as before I was in the army, I was a plumber mate, so I had a bit of experience, and when I finish, I am going on to an apprenticeship in this trade. I found the programme and support was good and the opportunity to do different trades in four to five weeks and see which one you like the most is really useful.”

Location: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk