A powerful Armed Forces resettlement programme delivered by Building Heroes in partnership with Reaseheath College has now supported over 500 veterans and service leavers into skilled careers in construction.
The programme hosted at Reaseheath’s Construction Department, provides practical trade skills and industry qualifications to veterans and service leavers, many of whom are navigating a significant period of personal transition.
To celebrate the latest graduates and mark the 500-learner milestone, Reaseheath welcomed VIP guests, charity partners, staff, and alumni to a special event at the Nantwich-based institution on July 17th. The celebration recognised the achievements of 15 new graduates and reflected on the growth and impact of the partnership since its launch in 2017.
The course, a five-week intensive programme based at Reaseheath’s dedicated construction training centre, equips learners with skills in bricklaying, plastering, tiling, plumbing, painting and decorating, alongside health and safety and employability training.
Delivered in close collaboration between Reaseheath College and Building Heroes, the programme combines high-quality technical instruction with tailored pastoral support, ensuring that veterans and service leavers are not only equipped for the construction industry but supported holistically throughout their transition.
The wider impact, however, goes far beyond qualifications. For many veterans, the programme offers not just a route into a new career, but also a chance to rebuild confidence, regain purpose, and connect with others through shared experiences.
Chris Charles, CEO of Building Heroes, explained: “It’s been incredible to watch these veterans not just learn technical skills but reconnect with themselves and each other. The partnership is about empowering them to redefine their futures with confidence and purpose.”
Chris Meachem, who took the course in 2018 described the course as ‘life-restoring’. “You’re learning new skills, but more than that, you’re doing it with people who understand your background,” he said. “That shared experience really matters. The confidence I got from Building Heroes has changed the direction of my life.”
Terry Suckling, one of the latest graduates, echoed the sentiment: “This has been the best five weeks. I’m more confident now than I’ve ever been, and I’ve just secured a new job starting in September. I’d recommend this to anyone leaving the Forces.”
The course is delivered with the support of Reaseheath staff, many of whom have worked with the programme since its inception. Andrew Gould, Curriculum Area Manager, and Craig Blount, Construction Lecturer, have been instrumental in shaping its delivery and ethos over the years.
The recent celebration event took place in Reaseheath Hall and was attended by distinguished guests including Joëlle Warren MBE DL, High Sheriff of Cheshire, and Major General (Retd) Richard Spencer, Patron of Building Heroes. Graduates were presented with their certificates in front of an audience of friends, staff, supporters, and alumni.
Marcus Clinton, Principal and CEO of Reaseheath College, reflected: “We are incredibly proud to reach the milestone of 500 graduates with our highly valued partner Building Heroes. I would like to pay tribute to our staff and those from Building Heroes whose commitment allows such programmes to run so successfully. This programme is a fantastic example of working in partnership to support reskilling into a priority sector alongside a transition back into civilian life. Working as an anchor institution to support the community and individuals is important to the college and we look forward to many more graduates to come.”
Joëlle Warren MBE DL, High Sheriff of Cheshire, who presented the certificates, also commented: “The Building Heroes programme is an exceptional initiative. We’re not just celebrating the success of these graduates but recognising the immense contribution they’ll make to the construction industry. Their journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of second chances.”
Brendan Williams, Founder of Building Heroes, shared his thoughts, adding: “When we first started, we never imagined we’d reach 500 graduates. To see so many veterans succeed, not only in gaining a trade but in regaining their sense of purpose and belonging, is humbling. This programme is about more than construction skills; it’s about building a brighter future for those who’ve given so much to our country.”
Reflecting on the event and the 500-student milestone Andy Gould said: “This partnership continues to go from strength to strength. It’s incredible to watch each cohort grow, develop, and succeed. We’re not just teaching construction; we’re empowering people to take control of their futures, here’s to recruiting the next 500 graduates to Reaseheath.”
Jason Renshaw, Academy Leader – North West Region, has been a key part of the Building Heroes programme, overseeing the North West region’s academy and ensuring that veterans receive the support they need to succeed in the construction industry.
He added: “The transformation I see in our learners is what makes this programme so special. It’s not just about teaching construction skills; it’s about building confidence, opening doors, and helping veterans transition into civilian life with purpose and direction. Every day, we see the immense value that veterans bring to the workforce, and it’s a privilege to be a part of their journey. Watching them achieve, whether it’s gaining new skills or securing a job, is the true reward of what we do.”
Building Heroes courses at Reaseheath run throughout the year and are open to Armed Forces veterans, those in resettlement, and veteran family members.
To find out more or express interest, visit reaseheath.ac.uk or buildingheroes.org.uk
Building Heroes Alumni
James Martin
James was part of the very first Building Heroes cohort at Reaseheath in 2017. With no prior experience in construction, he initially saw the programme as a leap into the unknown. That leap led him to a rewarding new career.
“After leaving the Army, I had no idea what to do. This course gave me a direction. I started labouring, worked my way up, and eventually became a site manager on major projects like the Commonwealth Games Village and Manchester’s new music venue.”
Now an account manager for a manufacturing company, James credits Building Heroes with putting him on the path to a whole new professional world.
Chris Meachem
Chris served in the Artillery from 1985 to 2007, including deployments to Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Iraq. After years of bouncing between jobs, he discovered Building Heroes in 2018 and joined the programme to renovate his own house. What started as a side project became a turning point.
“It wasn’t just the skills – it was the shared experience with other veterans that really brought me back to myself. The banter, the hands-on work, the respect – it’s something you don’t realise you’ve missed until you get it back.”
Now supporting his partner in international dog grooming competitions and pursuing his passion for golf, Chris still values the course for helping him regain purpose, direction, and confidence. He sees Building Heroes as a lifeline for veterans navigating post-service life.
Nikita Silvera
Still serving in the Royal Signals, Nikita discovered Building Heroes at a career fair in Stafford. Encouraged by positive feedback from past participants, she enrolled to explore the intersection of health and safety and construction. The course helped her see how these disciplines merge in practice — and it’s already opening doors.
“We visited a live site at Lovell, and I spoke with a health and safety director there. That’s led to shadowing opportunities across three sites this month. I’d never have known those existed if it weren’t for this course.”
Nikita particularly enjoyed tiling and plans to take a follow-on course. With new contacts in Stafford and an interest in turning this into weekend or freelance work, she’s now exploring both practical and professional opportunities.
Terry Suckling
After 25 years of service, Terry was weighing up his options between close protection work and a new direction. Although he’d had some hands-on experience in construction in the past, the Building Heroes course opened his eyes to the wide scope of opportunities in construction. He credits the five-week programme with boosting his confidence and giving him clarity about his next step.
“This has been the best five weeks. I’m more confident now, and I’ve even been offered a job starting in September working on HMOs in Chester. I’d absolutely recommend this to anyone transitioning out of service — it’s a no-brainer.”
Terry particularly enjoyed the brickwork and joinery modules, even if rendering wasn’t quite for him. He believes the course deserves more visibility among resettlement support channels and is a strong advocate for spreading the word.
Craig Ellis
Formerly part of the Royal Army Physical Training Corps, Craig left the military in June and has thrown himself into retraining with enthusiasm. Although he’d always been hands-on, the Building Heroes course gave him the technical tips and confidence to take on bigger projects.
“I’m now building an extension on my house — dormers, roofing, the lot. Six weeks ago I wasn’t sure I could, but now I’m all in.”
Craig enjoyed every element of the course, especially carpentry and additional practical tasks like patio and decking work. He hopes to move into property development and eventually build his own rental portfolio.
