A FORMER soldier has joined David Wilson Homes’ Armed Forces Acceleration Programme thanks to a recommendation from his brother who works for the same division.
Tom Hirons, 23, served in the Army for a total of six years with the Royal Regiment of Artillery and was looking for a new challenge in his career when his brother, Sean Hirons, recommended the programme with the five star housebuilder.
The programme is part of David Wilson Homes’ commitment to helping former servicemen and women into new employment through an Armed Forces Covenant.
Tom is based at David Wilson Homes’ Bertone Manor development in Barton Seagrave and has taken on the role of Trainee Assistant Site Manager.
His brother Sean, 27, has worked in the commercial department of the David Wilson Homes South Midlands division as a Quantity Surveyor since 2015 and recommended the training scheme to his brother when he saw how people who have served in the forces were able to progress and further their careers.
The programme is accredited by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and takes 12 months to complete through a combination of classroom-based training and on-the-job experience.
The training scheme is designed to lead to an appointment as a fully qualified Assistant Site Manager within 12 months.
Tom said: "I joined the army to travel the world, develop as a person, and make friends for life and after I did all of these things, I felt it was time for a new challenge.
"I was interested in the programme because being able to earn a living and gain academic qualifications at the same time really appealed to me and I knew from my brother that David Wilson Homes are keen on investing in their employees.
"It is great to see programmes like this helping soldiers adapt to civilian life as soldiers often find themselves unemployed and, in extreme circumstances homeless."
During his service, Tom was given various roles including AS90 Gunner and Forward Observer.
He is learning to further develop key skills he picked up in the army such as communication, leadership and organisation. In his new role, communication has been vital as it is key whilst working on site to ensure work is carried out safely, on time and to a high standard.
Tom continued: "The army provided me with skills for life, and I am proud to say I have served my country and am now able to develop these skills in my new role with David Wilson Homes.
"Sean really encouraged me to apply for the programme as he knew what a great opportunity it was and he’s witnessed first-hand how former armed forces personnel have progressed within the company through this programme."
To find out more about the Armed Forces Acceleration Programme, or any similar opportunities with David Wilson Homes, please visit: www.barrattfuturetalent.co.uk/
For more information on any David Wilson Homes developments near you, please call the sales team on 0844 811 4477 or visit www.dwh.co.uk