Skills shortages continue to be one of the biggest challenges facing the construction industry, but could an overlooked demographic be key to tackling the issue? Could construction be seen as the perfect second career for military leavers?
According to the latest Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Construction Workforce Outlook Report, the sector must recruit 36,340 additional workers each year between now and 2030.
This is undeniably a huge number, and ensuring the industry attracts a diverse mix of backgrounds rather than relying solely on traditional entry methods is a vital step towards meeting this target.
One area with potential to bolster the workforce is military personnel looking to transition into new careers after their time in service. Many in this group possess sought-after skills that transfer naturally over to construction, making it a perfect talent pool for the sector to target.
According to the Ministry of Defence’s Career Transition Partnership (CTP), in 2024/25 alone, 14,588 regular and Gurkha personnel left the UK armed forces. More than half of these reported being employed in one of three main occupation groups, of which Skilled Trades occupations made up 17%.
Which military skills transfer to a career in construction?
Many skills developed during military service are transferable to construction, when combined with the right vocational training.
“We see several ex-forces personnel retrain as electrician’s each year. It's a trade where safety is so critical, and one thing I've noticed is that they follow instructions to the letter and take feedback on board quickly. It's probably because they're already used to following strict procedures and understand that staying safe means following instructions.” – Robert Burgess, Able Skills Electrical Instructor
Military training obviously instils discipline and a strong work ethic, as well as a strong understanding that procedures are in place for a reason. This mindset translates well to trades where following strict regulations, safety standards and completing jobs to a high standard are a must.
Communication skills and the ability to work well in a team are also naturally beneficial when speaking to clients and working on large projects alongside other tradespeople. Being good at managing people is another common trait amongst military personnel, especially those who have held senior positions, and can be incredibly valuable for those wanting to progress into advanced roles, like site managers and team leaders.
The list goes on; working well under pressure, good timekeeping and organisation, hazard awareness, technical proficiency, logistics…these are all great skills and traits to have when building a career in construction after serving in the military.
Flexible construction training and support for service leavers
Aside from the transferable skills, one of the big draws for construction is being able to tailor the training around your own schedule. In the case of Scott, a former Royal Marine Commando, this meant combining home study with part-time electrical training while still serving.
“I was a Royal Marines Commando for just under 12 years. I wanted more stability for myself, but more importantly, for my wife and home life. Whilst renovating a house, I thought to myself - I’d like to do this a lot more! Running circuits, designing rooms, I was inspired.”
For those considering a career in construction after the military, various funding and initiatives are available to support training. For example, the MOD’s Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) Scheme provides financial support towards a nationally recognised qualification at Level 3 or above with an approved learning provider, across a maximum of three separate financial years.
This kind of flexibility and support is now absolutely integral to improving the construction industry’s accessibility and appeal. There are huge numbers of people in a similar position to Scott who, without it, construction training simply wouldn’t be feasible.
Construction needs more people, and it needs more people with the right mindset. Military leavers already possess many of the behaviours employers value. With the right vocational training, they can play an important role in helping address the industry's skills shortage.
If you’d like to find out more about taking your first steps towards a career in construction after leaving the military, including learning about the support on offer, we’re always happy to help. Give us a call on 01322 280 202, or drop by our training centre during opening hours, and we’d love to chat.