About us

Clare has been a military wife for almost 20 years now, experiencing the highs and the lows that come with military life. She previously worked for a military charity within their Health and Wellbeing Team.

Prior to this, she has 22 years experience in customer focused roles. As a member of the military community she has experience to help tackle unemployment and support to transition into a new career.

Clare leads our Skills Academy in partnership with Vistry Group in Coggeshall, Essex

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Helen has a wealth of construction, recruitment and IAG experience. She worked for 10 years with a large training provider offering construction skills and qualifications to unemployed 16-18 year olds and 19+.  Previous to joining Building Heroes Helen worked for a large building company dealing with customers, employees and subcontractors.

Helen is the Centre Coordinator for our Groundworks & Street Works course and our Green Retrofit Skills course in the North East.

Steve is currently the Sherford Skills & Training Coordinator in Plymouth at the biggest onsite training centre in the country where he has been part of two successful CITB bid submissions that have secured 6 years of funding for training at the Skills Centre.

Steve studied at The University of Plymouth, completing his undergraduate and postgraduate degree at Plymouth University. During this period, he was elected as President of the Student Union, and became actively involved in politics. In 2006 he was successfully elected to Plymouth City Council holding various Cabinet posts such as Transport & Housing Delivery.  

Steve has worked in ‘Welfare to Work’ for many years and in Plymouth‘s Drug and Rehab Centre. He also worked on the Erasmus programme helping EU students find high quality work placements in Plymouth while serving as an Army Reservist with Six Rifles.  Apart from a short spell in East London, working in one of the most deprived areas in the UK, helping long-term unemployed people into work he has lived in Plymouth ever since.  

Steve leads our Plymouth Centre in the South West.

Shamila has a background in education working for various organisations. She has a wide range of experience working with different client groups, employment, and recruitment. She is a committed individual who is always looking for positive outcome with those she works with.

Shamila is the Centre Coordinator for our Darlington College training programme.

Jason joined Building Heroes at the beginning of September 2022. Prior to taking up this appointment he had a very successful career within the British Army between 1985 – 2022 (Private soldier to Major). During his 37 years’ service he has deployed on multiple operational tours including Iraq and Afghanistan and has a wealth of experience in Facilities Management, Logistics and Human Resources.

 Jason completed the construction multi-skills course in July 2022 as part of his transition from the military into the civilian sector. As such, he has first-hand experience of what the course offers and the benefit of equipping individuals with a broad range of trade skills and then connecting them with a network of employers.

Jason is the Centre Coordinator for our Reaseheath College training programme.

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Phil joined the Building Heroes Team on 22 May 23 after serving over 38 years in the British Army. He joined the Royal Corps of Signals at the age of 16 as a Junior Soldier in 1984 serving around the world before retiring from regular service in Oct 22 as a Lieutenant Colonel after working in Army Headquarters in a Capability and Acquisition role.

A very experienced logistician with a wealth of knowledge in Facilities, Transport and Project Management. Prior to retirement and during transition form the Army to the civilian sector he attended the Construction Multi-Skills course in Jul 22 at Reaseheath College.

Phil leads our Skills Academy in partnership with Davidsons Homes in Ibstock, Leicestershire.

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Megan comes from a recruitment background, having worked in the care and legal sectors for the past three years. Megan joined Building Heroes in September 2023, bringing her transferable skills of being able to offer extensive employment support to our learners, as well as, use her care connections to provide welfare support.

Megan is new to the construction and military sectors but looks forward to the rewarding work of helping service leavers and veterans transition into successful civilian lives. Megan recognises that working at Building Heroes will provide a new perspective on the Armed Forces and those effected by service - both those who serve and their families.

Megan is Centre Coordinator for our Cardiff training programme.

Billy joined Building Heroes in February 2024. With a distinguished military career spanning 26 years, he retired in 2023 as a Quarter Master Sergeant Instructor in the SASC. Billy's extensive experience includes training, mentoring, and coaching, focusing on helping individuals realise their full potential. He has had the privilege to work with every level of new entrant as a Section Commander at Pirbright all the way to Sandhurst with Officer Cadets at Sandhurst’s Dismounted Close Combat Wing, as well as those upskilling through career courses at the Infantry Battle School.

Motivated by the commitment of Building Heroes to support Veterans and Service Leavers, Billy brings his depth of expertise to enhance the support and guidance Building Heroes offer during the transition of service members into civilian employment.

Billy is Academy Lead for our Basingstoke and Salisbury Academies, delivered in partnership with Vistry Group.

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Stephanie is a dedicated professional with a background in emergency services, healthcare, and veteran support. As a co-founder of Corrib Mask Search and Rescue in Ireland, she introduced crucial ambulance and first aid instruction, sparking a passion for emergency care. Additionally, she also played a significant role in volunteering and assisting with organising and holding fundraising events for the organisation.

After gaining valuable experience in Ireland and Australia, Stephanie moved to England and transitioned into domiciliary care, quickly rising to the position of Senior Care Assessor. With two decades of service to the care industry she recognised the challenges faced by Veterans and Service Leavers transitioning to civilian life. Witnessing the struggles they faced, Stephanie felt compelled to help. When a position at Building Heroes arose, she eagerly joined to assist and support others in forging new career paths.

Whether coordinating activities, providing support or simply providing an ear for those that want to talk, Stephanie is dedicated to making a positive impact for those she serves.

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Lin is a Councillor in Mid Sussex District Council representing High Weald Ward. She is currently a member of the scrutiny committees for Audit, Leader & Service Delivery and Planning & Economic Development. She also represents the District Council as Champion for the Armed Forces Covenant. Before retiring in 2012 Lin worked for Lloyds Banking Group, initially as a Customer Service Manager, then in Credit Risk Finance as an analyst and business support manager.

I left the Army in 2020 during the start of the COVID pandemic. I had served with the Royal Engineers for over 38 years and was ready for a new challenge in life. Building Heroes - Property Maintenance Course was an ideal fit for my resettlement, my background in construction engineering had given mea basis to start my own handyman services and this course was an ideal foot on the ladder.

I was really impressed with the professionalism of the trade instructors - given the diversity, individuals skill levels on the course, their knowledge of their trade shone through. On completion of my training, I had the confidence and skills to refit my bathroom. I dipped my toe into the handyman business but due to family commitments this is now on the back burner.

I was so impressed with the Building Heroes ethos and commitment to helping ex-servicemen and women that I am now a volunteer working alongside the area co-ordinate, assisting with presentations and fund raising for this great charity.