Former soldiers embark on construction careers

Aspire Defence is supporting soldiers’ resettlement

Aspire Defence Capital Works is committed to improving the lives of military personnel, not only through delivery of high-quality soldiers’ accommodation but by supporting their career development, too.

Paul Dempster, Managing Director of ADCW (pictured centre), recognised that the Army Basing Programme (ABP) offered a perfect opportunity for former Service personnel to gain employment in the construction industry.

Mark Lowe (ex-Kings Royal Hussars, pictured left) and Nick McCartney (ex-Royal Engineers, right), joined ADCW as Health and Safety Advisors in 2018. Their roles require them to work across all garrisons, ensuring best practice and promoting the Aspire Values of Safety First and Zero Harm.

With a significant proportion of the ABP build now complete, both Mark and Nick will be soon be moving on to new ventures.

Reflecting on his time with ADCW, Mark said:

“When I was made the offer to join the Health and Safety team, I was concerned about being able to fulfil such a crucial role in a large construction business. However, I took the decision to challenge myself. At the start I felt slightly out of my depth and realised very quickly that I would have to do something I hadn’t done for a while … and read!

“Thanks to the support of the Health and Safety team, I learnt the role very quickly and I felt confident that the decisions I took were backed by the senior leadership team. The majority of my time with ADCW has been spent managing Tidworth, Perham Down and Aldershot and I would like to thank the Project Managers, Steve Carey and Tom Barnes, for their support throughout, and Mark George, Pre-Construction Director, who has been very supportive in Aldershot.

“I would also like to thank Paul Dempster and Damien Smyth, Construction Director, for giving me this opportunity, for taking a risk on someone with little experience within construction, and for all the support they have given me throughout my time at ADCW.”

Paul added:

“ADCW are really proud to have been a part of both Mark’s and Nick’s professional development, and I commend them for making the most of the opportunity. Both of them have worked hard to improve their knowledge and experience and in doing so, they have developed into competent Health and Safety Advisors and valued members of my team. I feel very proud of what they have achieved and would like to wish them every success for the future.”