The Wates Group has signed the BuildForce's Veteran Alliance Charter, strengthening their support for the military.

The Charter is designed to support ex-service personnel into sustainable employment in the construction industry.

Wates will now work in partnership with industry-led initiative, BuildForce, which helps Armed Forces personnel make decisions about their future careers.

The pledge forms part of the Wates Group's wider commitment to support all veterans and current members of the armed forces, which has also seen the business sign the Government's Armed Forces Covenant.

As part of its growing partnership with BuildForce, Wates is hosting its first BuildForce Armed Forces Insight Day in Manchester and look forward to hosting other locations in the future.

Wates is currently developing a series of BuildForce Insight events, designed to introduce ex-military personnel and veterans to the industry and help reduce industry skill gaps.


John Dunne, Group Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Director at Wates, said: "At Wates, we're extremely passionate about supporting all Veterans and current members of the Armed Forces.

"By signing the Armed Forces Covenant and through our flourishing relationship with BuildForce, we are connecting those who have key transferable skills, experience and knowledge to our wonderful industry. Not only does this support people into sustainable employment but it also enables us to continue to improve the services we offer to our customers."

Caroline Logan, Buildforce Programme Director, added: "Wates has been a valued partner of the BuildForce Alliance since signing the Charter in August 2017 and more recently securing their pledge by the signing of our Veteran Charter. Over the last few years, Wates has contributed to our insight days, offered one to one mentor support, training and career advice and facilitated numerous site work placements.

"We look forward to our relationship with Wates growing in strength and working together to engage with further Veterans to compliment their organisation."

BuildForce promotes the construction industry and the built environment to Veterans and Service Leavers, connecting them to construction careers through a UK-wide alliance of employers, industry bodies and charities; supported by the Government, part-funded by the CITB and working in partnership with The Royal Foundation.

(MH/JG)