Highway skills academy for veterans gets under way

A skills academy offering fully funded training programmes to military veterans has opened in Oxfordshire.

The Building Heroes Highways Training Academy in Drayton aims to support the transition to civilian life while also building the vital skills needed to maintain the region's road network.

Those joining the four-week programmes will have the opportunity to gain industry-recognised qualifications and hands-on training in areas including traffic management and emergency first aid.

Charlie Green, who is the Social Value Lead for the programme sponsor M Group, said: "The moment you get that qualification, you're top of the list to get into our industry."

Working with military charity Building Heroes, each cohort of about eight people are said to also benefit from guaranteed interview opportunities at M Group, creating a direct pathway into employment.

Emmanuel Boakye is one of the veterans in his third week of the training programme and said the skills he learnt from the army were "similar".

He served as infantry in the Yorkshire Regiment for five years, which included a number of international tours, but after sustaining an injury to his knee had to be discharged on medical grounds.

After leaving the army he said he struggled with his mental health.

"When you are discharged it's like you are in a new world, you are on your own and it's quite challenging," he said.

"Getting yourself on a course like this stabilises your mental health and you have hopes you're going to get something out of it."

The New Roads and Street Works Act certification and Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) accreditation are among those on offer for people taking part.

Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, Lizz Leffman, said: "We are committed to supporting our military forces communities across the county and are delighted to be involved in this excellent initiative.

"This new academy is about creating opportunities for people who've served our country while developing the skilled workforce Oxfordshire needs."

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