 
New programme aims to train up to 60 former service personnel in its first year, addressing construction skills shortages and supporting the delivery of new homes across London.
Former members of the British Armed Forces will receive new opportunities to enter the construction industry under a partnership between the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Places for London, Transport for London’s property development company.
The initiative, called Building Beyond Service, is designed to help veterans transfer the skills and experience gained during military service into civilian employment. Through specialist training, recognised industry qualifications and direct access to employers, the programme aims to create sustainable career pathways for ex-service personnel while helping meet the growing demand for skilled construction workers.
The first group of eight veterans has already begun training in the operation of construction plant machinery. The programme has set an initial target of helping up to 60 former service personnel secure construction jobs during its first year.
Training is being delivered through the Places for London Skills Academy, working alongside The Skills Centre and L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage. Participants receive practical instruction in operating construction equipment, gaining experience with modern machinery and learning techniques used across the industry.
In addition to technical training, the scheme connects participants with employers and potential job opportunities, helping them move from military service into long-term civilian careers. Construction businesses, meanwhile, stand to benefit from access to a new pool of trained and motivated workers at a time when the sector faces persistent skills shortages.
Building Beyond Service complements existing government-backed employment initiatives for military personnel leaving the Armed Forces and veterans, including the Career Transition Partnership and Op ASCEND. The wider objective is to ensure that the experience, discipline and practical capabilities developed during military service can be applied effectively in the civilian labour market.
The partnership also supports the government's Defence Housing Strategy and its broader ambitions to increase housing availability. By helping more people acquire construction qualifications and enter the workforce, the programme is intended to strengthen the capacity needed to build new homes across London.
The initiative also forms part of wider efforts to tackle homelessness by expanding the pipeline of skills required to deliver additional accommodation. While the programme focuses directly on employment and training, its organisers expect the benefits to extend to the construction sector and communities facing pressure on housing supply.
For participating veterans, the scheme offers a route towards a new professional future after military service. For the construction industry, it provides an opportunity to recruit workers whose previous experience may be well suited to demanding, safety-conscious and team-oriented environments.
The government and its partners hope the programme will demonstrate how targeted training and employer collaboration can help former service personnel establish civilian careers while contributing to the delivery of much-needed housing.
Calvin Bailey MBE MP, Minister for Veterans and People, said:Â "Veterans leave the Armed Forces with skills, experience, and a work ethic that employers across the country are looking for. Â
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. Â
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:Â "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.Â
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".
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. Â
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.Â
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".
