Engineering specialist HE Simm has joined forces with construction company Lend Lease to support an employment programme which will create job opportunities for former service men and women.
 
The Construction Youth Trust has launched a programme “Build Force” to offer training to service men and women who have left the forces. HE Simm will be offering work experience placements and training programmes, including the HE Simm apprenticeship and graduate schemes to service leavers across the UK.
 
HE Simm will also be providing CV and interview tips together with careers advice to service leavers who are seeking jobs in the building services industry.
 
HE Simm’s HR and talent manager, Kelly-Ann Devonport is managing the scheme together with HE Simm employees Anthony Melia and Richard Griffiths – both of whom are ex-servicemen. All three attended a Lend Lease Construction and the Built Environment Industry Awareness Event for service leavers at Lend Leases offices last month in Elephant and Castle, London.
 
Richard Griffiths, HE Simm health and safety manager and troop staff sergeant in the 68 Signal Squadron, said that service leavers are highly skilled and can add real value to the work force once they have left service.

Richard said: “The Build Force scheme is not only an opportunity for HE Simm to show its commitment to supporting the British Army and to give something back to our troops; it is also a scheme which will benefit employers across the country.
 
“From my own experience in full-time service, I can attest to the range of highly desirable skills and qualities service leavers possess. From exceptional time management and discipline, to the skills gained from Command Leadership Management Courses, employers really will benefit from the training provided to servicemen and women by the British Army.”
 
Kelly-Ann said: “The construction industry is set to create 182,000 new jobs in the UK over the next five years. There is a growing lack of skills in the industry, which means it is more crucial than ever to create more training and development opportunities. Almost 5% of HE Simm’s workforce is currently made up from service leavers. They occupy a diverse range of roles, including senior management positions, project managers, office managers, health and safety managers, store men and logistics coordinators. We hope that the new scheme will result in more service leavers joining our firm.”