Sector - Defence

Building distributors say ex-military personnel are well suited to construction

27 Jun 19

Building materials distributor SIG has said that ex-military personnel are perfect for careers in construction.

Ex-military personnel have the perfect traits for careers in construction and logistics, according to one of the country’s leading suppliers of building materials. SIG Distribution have provided a range of careers for people who have left the Armed Forces, employing many people with military backgrounds across its UK workforce.

The company describe teamworking, leadership and problem solving as the three main transferable qualities former military personnel tend to naturally have, which makes them great candidates for careers in construction and logistics. Other traits include discipline, a good work ethic, confidence and strong decision-making skills.

Fran Galbraith, Group Talent and Development Director at SIG plc, said: “We’ve seen first-hand that Armed Forces leavers make great employees in the construction sector, where we have had a lot of success recruiting service leavers into a variety of roles such as drivers, operations managers and senior management positions.”

“Not only do they have significant experience, but they have first-class personal qualities – they’re motivated, versatile and quick-learners. They also have lots of transferable skills, such as teamwork, organisation, planning and communications.”

“We would encourage service personnel looking for civilian career options to take a look at our careers website for current vacancies to see where their skills may match.”

Jobs available in ‘civvy-street’ include managerial positions, IT workers, transport coordinators and lorry drivers, but former Armed Forces personnel run throughout the hierarchy at SIG. SIG say that each year, about 15,000 people leave the Armed Forces in the UK, equipped with a range of skills and abilities perfectly suited to careers in construction and logistics.