From Rifleman to Apprentice: How Partnership and Purpose Built Will’s New Career in Construction
From Rifleman to Apprentice: How Partnership and Purpose Built Will’s New Career in Construction
This National Apprenticeship Week, we are proud to celebrate Will, a former Rifleman with 1 RIFLES who has transitioned from military service into a new apprenticeship in construction, thanks to the power of partnership between the Armed Forces community and industry. Will’s story shows how the move from service to site can take shape when opportunity and timing meet.
After six years in the Army, Will left service with discipline, resilience, and a strong work ethic, but like many service leavers he faced the question: what next? When a sergeant mentioned Building Heroes, the next step became clear.
“I just knew construction was something I could see myself doing,” Will says. “The military sets you up more than you realise. Timekeeping, communication, discipline - those things make a big difference on site... Building Heroes felt like the right step.”
Starting the Journey at Darlington Skills Academy
Will joined the five‑week Building Heroes programme at Darlington Skills Academy, delivered in partnership with Darlington College and supported by Lovell and Morgan Sindall Construction.
From day one, the environment felt familiar – structured, supportive, and team-oriented.
“Everyone was from a military background, so we all connected straight away. The tutors understood us and really supported each of us.”
Over five weeks, Will gained practical experience across bricklaying, plastering and plumbing, earned his CSCS card, achieved Level 1 Health & Safety and built the confidence to step onto a live construction site.
Connecting With Employers
At the end of the course, Will met Paul Crossland from Morgan Sindall Construction at the Building Heroes graduation event. Paul immediately recognised Will’s potential and introduced him to Moortown Group, one of MSC’s key supply chain partners - demonstrating the strength of a connected industry that actively supports Armed Forces transition.
“From the moment I spoke with Moortown, I felt supported,” says Will. “They went out of their way to help me.”
A New Career Takes Shape
Will joined Moortown on a three‑month trial, working on a live site in Barnsley. Within weeks, it became clear this was more than just a placement, it was the beginning of a career.
“I’m learning every day. The management team are brilliant. They’re supportive and always there to answer questions.”
That strong start has now progressed into a new Apprenticeship opportunity with Moortown Group!
“I’m taking it step by step and learning as much as I can. Building Heroes gave me the confidence and the start I needed.”
We are thrilled to see how quickly and successfully Will is progressing since graduating from the Building Heroes Multi-skills course in December 2025.
Will’s story reflects the power of our community:
- Armed Forces values transferred to industry
- Building Heroes providing structured resettlement and accredited training
- Darlington College delivering high-quality education
- Lovell and Morgan Sindall Construction opening doors
- Moortown Group investing in talent
This is why our sponsors partner with Building Heroes, to identify capability, unlock potential, and create sustainable employment routes for those who have served.
As we mark National Apprenticeship Week, Will’s journey stands as proof that with the right support , service leavers can thrive in construction.
If you're an employer looking to unlock potential talent and create employment pathways for service leavers, visit www.buildingheroes.org.uk/our-partners
If you're a Service leaver, Veteran, Reserve or Military Family members considering your next step, we'd love to hear from you - visit www.buildingheroes.org.uk/courses
