Armed Forces veterans will be supported into construction jobs through a new partnership between the Ministry of Defence and Places for London, Transport for London’s wholly owned property company, helping ex-service personnel translate their skills into civilian careers.
Building Beyond Service is a new programme designed to help former Service personnel turn their military experience into construction careers through industry-recognised training and direct links to employers. The first cohort of eight veterans is undertaking training in the operation of plant machinery, with the programme aiming to support up to 60 veterans into construction roles during its first year.
Delivered through the Places for London Skills Academy in partnership with The Skills Centre and L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage, the programme gives veterans industry-recognised training and direct links to employers. Veterans gain recognised qualifications, connect with live job opportunities, and are supported to build long-term careers in construction, while employers gain access to skilled workers. The current cohort is receiving hands-on training in plant operations, including learning to operate some of the most in-demand, cutting-edge industry machinery and leading practices.
The programme also complements other Defence-backed employment support, including the Career Transition Partnership for service leavers, and Op ASCEND for veterans.
The partnership delivers on the government’s Defence Housing Strategy and aims to address skills shortages in construction while creating new employment opportunities for veterans. It also supports the government’s wider ambition to end homelessness, with the construction skills and new homes it helps deliver forming part of the pipeline needed to increase the supply of accommodation across London.
Building Beyond Service extends Places for London’s work to date, which has already seen thousands of people trained through its programmes with its training partner, The Skills Centre. Through its five skills hubs across London, Places for London has trained more than 12,000 people and supported more than 5,000 into long-term careers in the built environment sector. By providing work experience placements, on-site training at its development sites and skills hubs, Places for London is not only opening up opportunities for people but also helping London and the UK grow. The skills hubs provide a vital training ground and in 2025, Places for London and The Skills Centre opened The Earls Court Green Plant – the only green skills plant in London, helping learners understand how to use zero and low emission vehicles in the capital.
Laura Miller, Head of Skills and Growth at Places for London, said:
“People leaving the Armed Forces bring an incredible range of skills, experience and qualities that can make a real difference to the built environment. Many veterans do not realise the range of opportunities available or how the skills they have developed during their military careers could open doors to something new.
“Building Beyond Service aims to build on existing support, with us bringing together the Ministry of Defence, employers and training providers to create new pathways into the industry.
“As one of London’s major developers, Places for London is in a unique position to bring industry partners together and turn that collaboration into real opportunities. Our first cohort of veterans is just the beginning. Our ambition is to build a programme that opens doors across the built environment, supports long-term career progression and helps develop the skilled workforce London needs.”
Calvin Bailey MBE MP, Minister for Veterans and People, said:
“Veterans leave the Armed Forces with skills, experience, and a work ethic that employers across the country are looking for.
“The challenge is often making sure those skills are recognised and creating a clear route into civilian careers. That’s exactly what this programme is doing, helping veterans move into good jobs while supporting an industry that needs skilled people.
“Having made the transition from military service myself, I know how important these opportunities can be. This is a practical example of how we can back veterans to succeed long after they leave uniform.”
David Brewer, Chief Executive of the Defence Housing Service, said:
“This pilot is the result of a pioneering partnership between the Ministry of Defence, through the new Defence Housing Service, and Places for London, which we hope will achieve real benefits, not just for the veterans taking part, but for the construction industry and for wider housing development in London and beyond.
“Delivering on the promises of the Defence Housing Strategy, we are taking a truly forces first approach to create real opportunities for veterans and employers, which have the potential to lead to lasting careers in the construction industry.”
Ilaitia Sukanavere, A former sergeant in the Royal Logistics Corp, said:
“Taking part in the programme through The Skills Centre has been a really encouraging and rewarding experience. It has helped me to develop new skills, gain valuable hands-on experience, and build my confidence operating heavy machinery. The professionally taught four-week intensive programme was thorough and supportive, and it benefited me both in theoretical and practical terms by providing recognised skills and qualifications.
“The newly gained skills will help me transition into civilian life and open up new career opportunities within the construction and plant industries. It has also had a significant impact on myself and my fellow learners by bringing us together, budling teamwork, improving our confidence, and giving us the motivation to look forward to the next chapter of our lives with a positive outlook.”
Jon Howlin, CEO, The Skills Centre, said:
“Helping people into sustainable careers is at the heart of what we do at The Skills Centre. We provide high-quality, industry-led training that connects people directly with real jobs.
“We’re proud to bring that experience to the Building Beyond Service programme, working alongside Places for London, the Ministry of Defence and L. Lynch to support veterans into the construction industry. Veterans already bring many of the qualities employers value most, including resilience, discipline and a strong work ethic. This programme gives them a clear pathway to build on those strengths with industry-recognised training.
“We’re delighted to be part of an initiative that not only recognises the value veterans bring but also creates lasting opportunities for them to build successful careers in construction.”
Ruairi Lynch, Head of Skills and Sustainability, Lynch said:
“This programme is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when clients, industry and community-focused organisations come together with a shared purpose. By combining the commitment of the Ministry of Defence and Places for London, the community outreach and engagement expertise of The Skills Centre, and Lynch’s industry knowledge, plant training expertise and employment opportunities, we are creating genuine pathways into rewarding careers.
“Military leavers and veterans bring an incredible wealth of transferable skills, discipline and experience to our industry. Our role is to build on that foundation, equipping them with nationally recognised CPCS qualifications and practical, lifelong skills that are in demand across the construction sector today. For us at Lynch, this partnership is about much more than delivering training. It’s about unlocking potential, creating opportunities and helping people turn the next chapter of their lives into a successful, sustainable careers.”
