Success stories

We continually ask for feedback from our learners so we can understand the impact of what we offer to our Armed Forces community and we are delighted to share just a handful of the fabulous referrals we have received from our graduates.

We are so proud of all our graduates and thank them, our delivery partners and corporate supporters, for making Building Heroes the growing success it is!

"As a service leaver after 35 years in the RN, I found the course an excellent confidence builder in new skills. The course was delivered in a friendly and low-stress way allowing me to gain the skills comfortably. The instructors are friendly, knowledgeable and go the extra mile. The support from Building Heroes is excellent and targeted to the specific needs of the individual. I recommend this course as a way into construction or to build on existing skills."

"The course was a fantastic experience and delivered in a very professional manner. We were shown what was required and left to do the work with our tutor offering help throughout each evolution."

"I am confident in my skills to set up as a sole trader in the future. I have certainly benefitted from the course. I have learnt new skills which will help me in my self-employment journey."

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the five-week course. It has taught me new skills and improved the skills I already had. I now have the confidence to become self-employed in the handyman sector."

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"It has helped immensely with future projects my wife, and I will carry out. I have also informed my wife, a serving person in the RN, and she indicated that she would be interested in doing the course when she is ready to leave service."

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"I recommend this course to any of my fellow service members because it is run professionally, and you are treated with respect by the staff and instructors where ever you are in the college, and it is a very informative course."

"It is excellent value for money, especially if you compare it to others that are shorter and cost a lot more, and we are provided with a kit to wear and all the PPE we need to carry out each task."

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"I had zero experience going onto the course, so it was a great learning environment to try to learn new skills at my own pace. It gave me an insight into trades I liked and ones that I didn't like as much. The instructors on the course were very knowledgeable and professional. I recommend the course to everyone wanting to enter the construction industry as it is a great stepping stone for anyone who wants to learn new skills for their interest. Overall, the course is excellent value for money, and I recommend it."

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At Building Heroes, we are honoured to witness the incredible transformations that take place when our learners embark on new careers after their military service. We are thrilled to share the inspiring story of Clare, a former RAF Warrant Officer and now a graduate of the Building Heroes programme. Clare's journey exemplifies the wide-ranging opportunities and empowerment we offer to veterans transitioning to civilian life.

Clare's decision to apply for the Building Heroes programme was fuelled by her clear vision of setting up her own business in property maintenance, combining her passion for sewing with the essential construction skills needed for property upkeep and enhancement. The programme came highly recommended from service colleagues and veterans alike, boasting an outstanding reputation, and it did not disappoint. Additionally, Clare sought to confidently carry out more complex tasks in her own home, making the programme even more appealing.

Clare first learned about Building Heroes through friends and colleagues who had successfully completed the Construction Multi-Skills course. Their positive experiences and thriving careers inspired Clare to embark on her own journey with Building Heroes, knowing she would be in capable hands.

Upon joining the programme, Clare had specific career goals in mind and trades she wished to pursue. But as she progressed through the Building Heroes programme, her career goals underwent some changes. Initially focused solely on sewing, she began to see the potential of combining her love for sewing with her interest in starting a handywoman business. This realisation opened up new possibilities and paths for her, demonstrating the adaptability and evolution of career goals over time and the Building Heroes programme has instilled in her the confidence to explore additional qualifications in plumbing and electrics, further enriching her skillset and benefiting her future business.

Throughout the programme, Clare gained a multitude of valuable skills to take into her new career, including the honing of her capabilities in bricklaying, tiling, plastering, painting & decorating, and joinery. The emphasis on teamwork and collaboration fostered an environment where Clare could thrive, contributing to successful project outcomes and a sense of camaraderie. This team working ensured development of effective communication skills, which while crucial in building positive relationships with co-workers on the programme, will also be put to great use with future customers and suppliers. Also, Clare valued the Health and Safety award and CSCS card as a way in which showcase her commitment to safety and industry standards.

As a service leaver, Clare has plans to settle and work in the Greater Manchester area, where she already has a home. Building Heroes has played a pivotal role in shaping her knowledge of self-employment, providing a solid foundation in construction skills and empowering her to explore new avenues. By combining her passion for sewing with practical construction skills, Clare has created a unique and marketable service which she is excited to get started with! Watch out for her skills coming to a town in the North East soon!

Reflecting on her time in the programme, Clare highlights the camaraderie among the group, the instructors' ability to deliver clear instructions, and the accelerated learning experience as the most enjoyable aspects. The sense of belonging, shared experiences, and support from fellow learners created a positive and motivating environment for personal growth and skill development. Clare's journey with Building Heroes exemplifies the profound impact our programme has on veterans transitioning to civilian life. By empowering individuals with construction skills and fostering a supportive community, we enable them to realise their career aspirations and unlock a world of opportunities.

Building Heroes proudly stands alongside our learners, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to Clare for sharing her inspiring story. Together, we continue to build brighter futures.

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Stuart O'Hagan, a former Captain in the military from the East Riding of Yorkshire, embarked on a transformative journey by joining a Building Heroes course at the age of 53. Seeking to enhance his practical skills, which he had not previously prioritised, Stuart had always dedicated himself to helping others, often neglecting his own personal growth. With a strong interest in supporting mental health, counselling, and overall well-being, he aspired to utilise the skills acquired from the Building Heroes course to forge a new career path beyond the military, one that would enable him to improve his abilities and connect them with construction skills to benefit the well-being of others.

Having served as a Welfare Officer, Stuart had always directed others to seek support when needed. During this time, he discovered Building Heroes and was impressed by its outstanding reputation. Stuart said: "Building Heroes has such a great reputation and the feedback from others whom I have supported in the past who have undertaken the course have dramatically improved upon their own lives. I have had nothing but positive feedback about the course and decided to treat myself. I was in my last 12 months when I decided to pick the phone up and do something for myself which is quite unusual."

Stuart's brothers and his sons are well-established builders, electricians, and plumbers, and having experienced the impact of COVID on people’s livelihoods and their  wellbeing, he would like to incorporate mental health and wellbeing into construction to help support others in the future.

Stuart said: "I honestly never knew I could construct anything to do with plumbing let alone bricklaying. I have particularly enjoyed both the plumbing and bricklaying elements of the course. To be honest, being able to have belief in myself in what can be achieved and understanding my own limits or challenges."

Driven by his newfound passion, Stuart has decided to pursue further qualifications in counselling and psychotherapy, starting in September2023. Building Heroes opened his eyes to a world of new opportunities and invigorated him with a renewed sense of purpose. Without his involvement in the Building Heroes course, Stuart would have remained unaware of the untapped potential within himself, lacking the self-awareness and confidence needed to venture beyond his comfort zone.

Reflecting on his experience Stuart said: "I have enjoyed every single day of the course, every day was different. Being around others, learning something new and knowing what my coping strategies were during each element of the course, especially when something was going well, or not. Even if I was generally having a bad day, it was extremely satisfying to be out of the office, away from emails and knowing that the course is tailored to every individual irrespective of their own circumstances. I wasn’t judged or criticised, I was encouraged throughout the whole course. What I have enjoyed the most was the professional level of instruction and investment."

If you are inspired by Stuart's leap of faith and wish to embark on your own transformative journey, we encourage you to get in touch and join one of our courses. Building Heroes is ready to empower you to unlock your full potential and embrace a future filled with self-awareness, confidence, and exciting new opportunities.

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We are committed to supporting individuals through their transitions and equipping them with the skills they need to thrive in the civilian workforce. Candid's experience on the Streetworks Programme at our North East Academy exemplifies our mission in action.

Coming from a healthcare background, she sought something active and out of her comfort zone. The Streetworks programme, with its outdoor and physical nature, seemed to be the perfect fit for Candid's aspirations.

Candid shared that her first focus for choosing to complete the Streetworks programme was because:  "I was looking for a challenge"

Candid first discovered Building Heroes during a transition course at Catterick. The promise of meaningful career opportunities in the construction industry intrigued her, and she decided to explore the path with Building Heroes. Throughout the course, Candid found herself delving into new knowledge and experiences. Learning the ins and outs of field 'lingo' and operating machines that are often perceived to be exclusively for men expanded her skill set and opened her eyes to the possibilities in this line of work.

The Streetworks programme also provided Candid with a familiar work environment that resonated with her military background. The camaraderie, banter, and mutual respect among the team members allowed her to feel right at home.

And as for the training delivery, Candid couldn't speak highly enough of the trainer, describing him as encouraging, patient, and engaging—a true pillar of support throughout her journey.

As for career options, Candid is excited for what comes next : "The Streetworks programme has opened a world of possibilities for my future career path."

She now sees a plethora of opportunities in street-works, rail construction, communications, local councils, and health and safety in these areas. The horizon is brimming with excitement as she contemplates the endless choices before her.

Candid firmly believes that her experience proves that anyone can thrive in this line of work, regardless of gender. It's the attitude and dedication one brings to the table that counts. Building Heroes welcomes everyone, rank and gender at the door, embracing diversity and empowering individuals to discover their potential in the construction industry.

As we celebrate Candid's journey, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants who take on the challenge of transforming their lives with Building Heroes.

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey like Candid? Discover how Building Heroes can shape your future and prepare you for a rewarding career in the construction sector.

Apply today and let's build a better tomorrow together!

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I have really fond memories of attending the Building Heroes course, we all became quite close whilst on it and had a great laugh each day, whilst constantly learning from the quality instructors who had all worked in the trades.

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The course has helped keep a roof over my head earning money since I left the military.

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Having never had any real exposure to the trades before and never having been much good at DIY, I realized that it WAS do-able, and gave me the opportunity and confidence to try my hand at most of them, sparking an interest to go and pursue further courses this year in the construction industry as well as keeping the bills paid since I left. Not only that it gave me a good insight into what tools to buy to get started and had various lectures with different people in the industry and some of the career options within it.

I would whole-heartedly recommend people attend this if it's an avenue of interest for their future employment!

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I left the army after three years of service after deciding it wasn’t the right career path for me. I gained some valuable skills and assisted with the construction of the Nightingale hospital. When I decided to leave the army, I gained some information from the resettlement team, and they signposted me to Building Heroes.

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I decided to embark on the course with Building Heroes to gain some practical skills and gain some information on the types of pathways within the sector.

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It was great to participate in the first cohort at the Watford Academy. The course content enabled me to practice different skills and workout what areas I liked/didn’t. It pushed me in the right direction. I couldn’t have asked for a better tutor and felt fully supported throughout the duration of the course. I enjoyed the variation of the course content and the extra extended projects. We were able to see other sites and get some perspective of all the trades we were learning about.

I have embarked on a contract with Regal and gaining further insight into the sector. I am interested in partaking in some future courses with the college and progressing with Regal into a trainee site management role.

I joined the Army in 2004 and served for ten years. During my time serving I took part in two tours of Afghanistan as well as being stationed in the Caribbean for a long period. I was signed off in 2014for medical reasons and unfortunately lost my path and faced lots of personal issues. I also suffered with severe PTSD.

I was referred to the charity in 2021 and was enrolled on 2 courses. I wanted the opportunity to learn new skills and better myself in life. I gained a level 3 qualification in the Built environment and a level 1 multi trades at Watford. I was part of the first cohort at the new academy.

Throughout I received full support from the Building Heroes team, and it really helped me in finding a new direction. The tutor was fantastic and provided me support in both the theoretical and practical side of the course. The Academy provided me some experience working onsite and a fresh perspective on my direction within my career. Both Building Heroes and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London helped me with any difficulties I had and helped me create a different perspective within myself. It has left me feeling positive about the future.

I am currently in a six-month job role with Regal, the employer partner of Building Heroes at Watford. Regal engaged with us throughout the course. I am based at one of their sites within a temporary role as an access control operative. It is giving me a real insight into the industry, and I can meet different supply chains and gain more insight into the different roles available within the sector. Once my contract finishes, I will be looking to explore options in Painting and Decorating/roofing within Regals supply chains, perhaps participating in further courses and looking at joining the Building Heroes Property Maintenance team as a self-employed operative.

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Nick recently graduated the Building Heroes Performing Engineering Operations course.

"Having served 23 years in the military and soon to leave I was looking at different career paths but was uncertain what I wanted to do. I attended the Engineer in order to gain experience and potentially work in the Engineer environment.

The course consisted of Metal work fabrication including welding and use of other engineering equipment. The course was extremely well organised and run by experienced instructors that were always on hand to assist the students and ensure we got as much as we could from the course. With an extremely relaxing environment myself and all students managed to complete all assessments required as well as fabricating a few things for ourselves, which was interesting and fun.

Building Heroes also helped myself and others in tailoring our CV to the environment me maybe wishing to work in. Live job vacancies were also sent to aid in future employment, this was extremely helpful.

Overall, I found the Building Heroes Engineering Course extremely enjoyable and would highly recommend it."

A working mum and ex-Army wife from Worthing who took the plunge to switch careers with the help of Building Heroes, is “over the moon” after landing a job with Southern Rail’s new station maintenance team.

Natalie Parker, whose husband served with the King’s Royal Hussars, had worked for years in book-keeping when she was made redundant last year. Despite her years of experience and accountancy qualifications she had never been happy, so she took the brave decision to embark on five-week intensive course in property maintenance with Chichester College Group, organised by military veterans’ charity Building Heroes.

Southern, which is helping towards the cost of the charity’s training by putting its own newly-formed stations maintenance team through the Level 1 foundation course, saw how good Natalie was and offered her a job – their first woman among 11 handymen on the team.
Southern’s maintenance team manager Tessa Holme, who works out of Southern’s new maintenance depot next to Horsham station, said: “The fact she has completed an accredited course at Brinsbury College is a big pull for me. She graduated that course with a distinction in virtually every area.

“She is very approachable, very customer-focused and gets on with the job. This is one of the reasons we wanted to partner with Building Heroes because it gives us the opportunity to spot talent.

Natalie, who will be looking after coastal stations, said: “I am absolutely over the moon. I’m ecstatic to land a job here. It’s amazing, it really is. I love the variety of getting out, meeting the lads and taking pride in the stations, trying to maintain and keep them up to scratch. I’m totally grateful to everyone and to Building Heroes.”

Our graduate Dean Horton on how our Construction Skills course helped him find employment.

“There was a lot I enjoyed about the Building Heroes course, it really was a fantastic course, well organised and the tutors were excellent. Since the course, I applied for a job as a Trainee Assistant Site Manager with Barratt Developments and I was successful.

Since starting my new role, I have utilised so many skills from the course as well as the knowledge I gained from the course. I am able to manage and communicate effectively with the trades on site because of the insight the course gave me; having a basic knowledge of what the trades do and how they do it has given me a lot of credibility which I never would have had without the course.

I enjoy the working environment, which is very similar to the military environment. I enrolled on the course with a plan to be self employed as a handy man, however, the course gave me such a fantastic insight into the construction industry and opened my eyes to other opportunities. I am eternally grateful for the experience and how it has led me to where I am now.

The Building Heroes course has, without doubt, contributed to me being successfully employed in the construction industry and in a job that has excellent prospects. I am truly thankful to the Charity.”