A North East housebuilder is helping veterans move into construction careers through a dedicated armed forces transition scheme.
David Wilson Homes is running an Armed Forces Transition Programme that gives ex-service personnel the opportunity to retrain in site management, starting as trainee assistant site managers.
The year-long programme combines technical training, on-the-job experience, and learning modules covering all elements of site management, from foundations to customer demonstrations.
Daniel Griffiths, aged 32, is currently an assistant site manager at Doxford Green and joined the developer through the programme in 2022 after nearly 10 years as a corporal in the Royal Engineers.
Mr Griffiths said: "I found that many of the skills I gained in the British Army translated directly into my new role, particularly problem-solving, resilience, patience, and managing pressure while working to tight deadlines.
"I personally wanted to settle down and find a good work-life balance.
"The Armed Forces Transition Programme offered an opportunity to gain site management qualifications which I thought was a huge stepping stone into the civilian world."
He said: "An average day starts with a coffee before anything.
"Then it rolls into construction, ensuring everyone has what they need to complete their jobs for the day, checks, fault finding and resolving and booking in further works to ensure the flow of the build progresses safely.
"No two days are the same and I am looking forward to continuing to develop my skills and progress further in my career."
Neil Nutton, site manager at the same development, joined David Wilson Homes in 2019 after eight years as a corporal in the Army.
Mr Nutton, aged 34, said: "To begin with, I didn’t feel like I had many transferable skills from my job role in the Army.
"The Armed Forces Transition Programme was the biggest draw for me as it enabled me to learn a new trade.
"The programme eventually showed me that I did have a lot of transferable skills, such as organisation skills, team building, and work ethic, I just didn't know it yet."
He said: "My favourite part of the job is working with a good team, ensuring the team's happiness and safety to produce results on site.
"We are currently building new show homes which has been particularly enjoyable."
Another former serviceman, Andrew Lowes, joined the company in July 2023 after 13 years in the Royal Marines and was made aware of the programme after a friend had previously joined the scheme and recommended it to him.
Mr Lowes, aged 35, said: "My friend explained the transition, development, and courses that were offered and it seemed like a good opportunity, one that would suit me.
"Since joining, I have been able to complete many construction courses including a level six in construction management."
He said he takes pride in delivering completed homes.
Mr Lowes said: "My favourite part of the job is getting homes ready for a buyer to move in.
"This includes final checks and ensuring the house is up to the developers five-star standard and reputation.
"I also assist with the development and organisation of multiple plots, ensuring that they are in line with the build programme."
