Ex-Armed Forces Recognised For Their Work In Construction

• Browse By Section
• News
• Ex-Armed Forces Recognised For Their Work In Construction

Armed Forces Day on 24 June (29 June 2024), as in previous years, provided an opportunity for the nation to express gratitude to the services. Wyatt Homes has provided some stories of the skills, discipline and resilience that ex-military personnel bring to construction.

Emma Keys (35), from Renfrew, Scotland, serves as a sales and marketing assistant at Wyatt Homes and brings her experience as a former Royal Air Force medic to the housebuilding industry. Keys underwent rigorous training, including eight weeks of basic training and six months of trade training to become a medic. Her military service equipped her with valuable skills such as discipline, determination and exceptional teamwork, which have propelled her career.

During her service Keys trained in aeromedical response allowing her to work on aircraft with patients, battlefields, advanced trauma and life support. She served in both Iraq and Afghanistan and spent time in Kenya, Cyprus and the Ascension Islands.

She says: “My military service has given me a great foundation to carry out my roles within my civi role. In both careers my team has become my family where every individual has their part to play to ensure that the end goal is achieved in the best way.”

Friendship

Stephen Chapman (62), from Southampton and the site manager at Wyatt Homes' Mountbatten Park Development, served with The Royal Green Jackets for 12 years as an army engineer. Chapman's military background instilled in him essential management skills, discipline and a strong sense of camaraderie. He recognises the importance of creating a cohesive team in the construction industry and emphasises the value of the Chapman served in Northern Ireland completing five six month tours in Belfast, as well as completing three tours in Canada and serving six years in Germany. He says: "I believe that the structure of the army in discipline and routine helped me to achieve my successes in the construction industry. It teaches you management which you require in this industry, you need to be able to encourage and not be afraid to tell people they are wrong.

“I have found over the years within this industry you bump into ex-military personnel, and there's always that comradeship that never dies."

Teamwork

Ben Simpson (39), from Salisbury, site manager at Wyatt Homes' Saxondale Gardens and a former army sergeant, brings leadership experience and industry knowledge to his role. His military journey began when he attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where he underwent training and was commissioned in 2011 into the Royal Corps of Signals. Throughout his military career, Simpson specialised in signals intelligence before transitioning to a regiment responsible for establishing command headquarters in the field.

Simpson acknowledges the parallels between the military and construction industry in terms of teamwork, precision, and attention to detail. He says: "Being an officer helped me develop skills that directly transfer to the construction industry and prove particularly useful in my role as a site manager. Leadership, communication, logistical management, planning, and administration are all areas where my military background has been invaluable.”

Diversity

Shaun Pettitt, MD of Wyatt Homes says: “We believe in the power of diversity and recognise the immense value that individuals from different backgrounds bring to our team.

“Employing ex-military personnel is a testament to our fostering an inclusive and dynamic workforce. Their unique perspectives, dedication and strong work ethic enrich our company culture and contribute to our continued success."

Pictures: Emma Keys at Mountbatten Park. Steve Chapman at Mountbatten Park. Ben Simpson at Saxondale Gardens.

www.wyatthomes.co.uk

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
05th July 2023

Share

Related Articles