To celebrate Armed Forces Day 2024 we’re shining a light on two of the talented people working with us who both joined from the British Army. Welling is fully supportive of their careers in construction, funding various training programmes and certified courses for the military pair.
Chris McDermott dedicated over 16 years in the HM Army Forces Corps of Royal Engineers, completing his service as a Section Commander. He joined Welling as Clerk of Works in 2022, having spent two years in various roles within the construction industry.
Since joining the company, Welling has supported Chris with in-house training and his Level 6 NVQ In Site Inspection, a vocational, degree level qualification for individuals working in the construction industry who are responsible for managing and inspecting construction sites.
Alex Russo served over 11 years in the HM Army Forces Corps of Royal Engineers, concluding his Army career as an EOD & Search Team Commander. He officially joined Welling as a Clerk of Works earlier this year, having completed a four-month work placement.
Welling is currently supporting Alex with comprehensive in-house training, various NHBC training courses, and a two-year HNC in Construction via the University of Portsmouth. The qualification provides an all-round understanding of the construction process from design to completion, and is a springboard for a full degree in construction, or for a specialist role within the sector.
Speaking on his transferable skills from the military to his role as Clerk of Works at Welling, Chris said: “The Army is all about quality control, and my role here at Welling is no different. In the Army, there are processes and checklist style procedures before you hand over a finished item – whether it’s a battle trench or a bridge – it all has to be approved and signed off by the Army to hand it over for use. The reports I’m responsible for now are very similar and require meticulous checks and clear communication between the client and contractors on site, which makes it an easy transition and a great career choice for ex Army personnel.”
Alex agreed by saying “Both the Army and construction industry require logical thinking and prescriptive checks. The Army is very regimented and requires a huge amount of attention to detail, and this sets you up well for a career in construction. Plus, there’s so much opportunity for personal growth and Welling has been brilliant in supporting my career development.”
To find out more about career opportunities at Welling, visit https://welling.co.uk/careers/
