Exeter marines lay foundations for civilian careers

As National Armed Forces Day approaches (June 24) a trio of former marines are shouting about the career opportunities for ex-military personnel in the South West.

Research from the Royal British Legion last year showed discrimination was making it difficult for veterans to find jobs after leaving the armed forces. However, a group of ex marines from the South West say they’ve had very positive experiences in finding a new civilian career and encouraging others to consider roles in the construction industry.

Greig Mills, Ross Pearson and Ross Carey work for Barratt Homes, which actively encourages ex armed forces personnel to apply for roles at the company. It runs a dedicated training programme which has been specially designed to help former forces personnel qualify as assistant site managers.

Greig Mills, from Tiverton, completed the programme at the end of last year and is now working as an assistant site manager at Barratt Homes’ Hawthorn Rise development in Newton Abbott. He said: “There are some really good opportunities out there and forward-thinking companies like Barratt Homes really appreciate the skills that ex military people have.

“There are a lot of attributes you develop in the forces that translate well to the construction industry, like strong leadership, and it’s a fun sector to be in. The buzz you get from seeing the finishing touches go on a house is rewarding and it’s great to do a job that has a physical aspect to it too.”

Greig found the training programme so good that he recommended it to his old friends from the marines, Ross Pearson and Ross Carey. Both were taken on by Barratt Homes in the latest wave of its training programme and are currently training to become assistant site managers.

Ross Pearson, who specialised in heavy weapons in his role in the Marines, said: “I had some incredible opportunities in the Marines, getting to travel to countries all over the world and seeing places I’d never have had the chance to see otherwise. But after just over five years I decided I wanted a career that would give my life a bit more stability and the ability to go home at the end of the day. When Greig told me about his job with Barratt it sounded brilliant and I applied straight away.”

Ross, who is currently working at Barratt Homes’ Pinn Brook development in Pinhoe near Exeter, added: “I’m enjoying learning new things and getting to go home every night is a real plus!”

His friend and fellow former Marine Ross Carey, who is also on the scheme and working for Barratt Homes in Exeter, added: “I’d always had an interest in construction so I knew that was what I wanted to do when I left the Marines after 10 years. The trainee assistant site manager course is good for me because I want to learn more about the management side of the industry. I’m hoping to progress to become a site manager in the not-too-distant future.”

Paul Moran, managing director of Barratt Homes in Exeter, says the skills developed by members of the armed forces make them perfect for management roles in the thriving construction industry. “We find former armed service personnel have strong leadership and management skills, as well as an ability to think outside the box, work under pressure and maintain the very highest of standards. They’re all the attributes that make a top site or project manager,” he said.

“This isn’t just a short-term opportunity either. We really do see our site managers and project managers of the future on this programme and there will be plenty of opportunities for those who are passionate and ambitious to have a very successful career with Barratt.”

To find out more about careers with Barratt Homes visit www.barrattfuturetalent.co.uk