From the Army to Building Control: Why Service Leavers Are Perfect for the Profession

The New Front Line

From the Army to Building Control: Why Service Leavers Are Perfect for the Profession

By Aaron Bridges, BSc (Hons) MCABE, C. Build E, CMI, Operations Director, Alpha Building Control

When people leave the Armed Forces, one of the biggest challenges they face is finding a career that offers purpose, stability, and the chance to use the skills they’ve developed in service. I joined the Army at 16, and for many years, I thought it would be my life forever. My career in the Royal Artillery spanned a period of intense operations, including multiple operational deployments, where I faced situations that tested both skill and character. From coordinating complex role-specific operations to managing teams in high-pressure environments, I was constantly developing capabilities that demanded focus, resilience, and sound judgment.

By the time I reached the rank of Sergeant, I had a wealth of leadership experience and skills to offer. Yet, after many years away from home, watching my young family grow from a distance, I realised it was time to consider a new path. Like many service leavers, I wasn’t sure where to turn or how my experience would translate into civilian life, but I knew I wanted meaningful, challenging, and rewarding work. I carried with me a strong sense of purpose and discipline, as well as the values the Army instils—integrity, teamwork, and putting service before self. The challenge wasn’t a lack of ability—it was finding a profession that offered responsibility and the chance to make a tangible impact, in a way that mirrored the mission-focused environment I had come to know in the military.

For me, the answer was unexpected: Building Control.

From the Frontline to the Built Environment

Early in my Building Control career, I faced steep learning curves. Understanding technical regulations, navigating inspections, and mastering the language of construction were all new challenges. Yet my military experience gave me a distinct advantage.

Years of operating in high-pressure environments taught me to remain disciplined and meticulous even when the stakes were high. I learned resilience the hard way, adapting quickly to unexpected changes and overcoming setbacks—skills essential when construction projects throw up the inevitable surprises. My experience managing operations translated naturally into coordinating inspections, overseeing projects, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Even my familiarity with PAMS (Procedures and Administrative Manuals) in the Army, which cover doctrine, procedures, or guidance on a particular subject, felt surprisingly similar to interpreting Approved Documents in the civilian context. And yes, the Army also taught me how to build camaraderie and morale—how to support a team and even, occasionally, how to party responsibly!

A Historical Precedent

Veterans have long driven industries and adapted quickly to civilian roles. After World War II, construction firms like Taylor Woodrow and Sir Robert McAlpine recruited thousands of veterans to repair bomb damage and build housing and schools—their discipline, reliability, and adaptability proved invaluable.

Even earlier, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (est. 1919) gave veterans meaningful civilian careers through social enterprise, producing everything from railway signs to wooden pallets.

These examples show that service leavers have historically been catalysts in industries demanding precision, responsibility, and teamwork. Today, Building Control offers the same opportunity.

Sector Opportunity

According to UK Defence Personnel Statistics (30 June 2025), 14,590 personnel left the Armed Forces in the 12 months to 31 March 2025, with over 8,000 leaving voluntarily. Many of these individuals will engage with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP), the MOD’s resettlement programme, prior to leaving.

When industry colleagues and I presented Building Control as a career option at the CTP office in Catterick, the staff admitted they had never heard of the profession. Once we explained what the role involved, their response was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the potential of this skilled, disciplined talent pool.

For employers, engaging with the CTP provides a direct link to highly motivated individuals who are ready to contribute from day one. Presenting Building Control as a career option not only helps fill workforce gaps but also supports veterans in securing meaningful employment.

Why Building Control is a Fantastic Career for Service Leavers

For service leavers exploring their options, Building Control offers a unique combination of stability, purpose, and opportunity. The industry is currently experiencing an aging workforce and a growing need for skilled Registered Building Inspectors. As regulatory standards become increasingly important, there are excellent opportunities for motivated professionals to make a real impact while developing their careers.

Beyond job security, Building Control offers a clear sense of mission. Service personnel thrive when their work has meaning, and in Building Control, that purpose is tangible: protecting lives and ensuring the safety of the built environment. No two days are alike. Inspectors move between projects and sites, constantly learning and adapting to new challenges, all while making decisions that have real-world consequences.

There are also clear pathways for career development. Individuals can progress from trainee roles to more senior positions over time, gain professional registration, and even achieve chartership, earning recognition for their expertise along the way. For those looking to continue serving the Armed Forces community, the profession also offers a way to align with the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating a real commitment to supporting veterans in meaningful civilian careers. Indeed, we have a number of reservists within the profession, reflecting this ongoing connection.

Personally, I found that the sense of purpose I had in the Army translated directly into my role as a Registered Building Inspector. I might not wear a uniform anymore, but I still feel that what I do makes a real difference.

Raising Awareness: A Call to Action

The challenge isn’t whether service leavers are suited to Building Control — they are. The challenge is awareness.

This is where Building Control Bodies (BCB) can make a difference. Any BCB can reach out to their local CTP office to present opportunities in the sector. By doing so, BCBs can:

• Showcase the career paths available in Building Control
• Provide real-life case studies of veterans thriving in the role
• Offer structured trainee and mentorship programmes tailored for service leavers

Engaging in this way not only helps address the skills shortage in the profession but also supports those who have served our country in finding rewarding civilian careers. It’s a win-win — and it aligns perfectly with the Armed Forces Covenant.

Leaving the military can be daunting. But Building Control demonstrates that the skills and values cultivated in service are not only transferable—they are essential. Service leavers bring discipline, integrity, leadership, and resilience—qualities the profession values.

Just as veterans historically contributed to Britain’s post-war construction efforts, today they can strengthen the Building Control profession, ensuring compliance, safety, and excellence in the built environment.

Aaron Bridges is a Registered Building Inspector with Alpha Building Control, having joined the built environment after over a decade in the British Army. Working on a variety of projects, he has a deep passion for the built environment and is committed to supporting service leavers into the building control profession.

Contact:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-bridges-bsc-hons-c-build-e-mcabe-050160226