The UK construction industry and the Armed Forces shares an intrinsic bond, with a large number of ex-forces veterans turning to the sector for a career following their service. One in four veterans pursue a career in construction upon leaving the Armed Forces, and with 14,000 servicemen joining Civvy Street each year, supporting veterans as they build new lives is an important responsibility for all.

Polypipe is proud to have formed a three-year partnership with Help for Heroes, which provides lifelong support to service personnel and veterans with injuries and illnesses sustained while serving in the British Armed Forces. No matter when someone served, the Charity gives them the support they need to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives. Long-term recovery is more than repairing damaged bodies and minds; it’s about rebuilding lives.

We are committed to working with Help for Heroes on a number of initiatives that will help to raise money, and to provide a new career path for many returning servicemen and women.

Polypipe will sponsor ex-servicemen and women through a British Plumbing Employers Council (BPEC) course at the Polypipe Professional Development centre in Doncaster. Those who are looking to embark on a career in plumbing can attend taster courses, with Polypipe facilitating work experience and vocation experiences for veterans who show an interest in a career in plumbing and groundworks.

Polypipe is hoping this commitment can also contribute to retooling the UK construction workforce, as we face a skills gap that will leave the industry short of 224,000 recruits by the end of 2019.

We are also pleased to name Help for Heroes as a charity partner of the 2017 Polypipe Annual Sailing Regatta in Port Solent, receiving a percentage of proceeds raised from the event.

We look forward to working with Help for Heroes on a variety of joint initiatives over the course of our partnership.

Cameron McLellan

Managing Director, Polypipe Building Products