Project Reece opens a new training centre

Project Recce first opened its doors three years ago. Since then, the Greater Manchester-based Community Interest Company has provided a pathway to high-quality construction industry jobs for armed forces leavers throughout the country.

As a British Army officer in 1 Mercian Regiment, Sandhurst-trained Loz Moore saw action in Iraq and Afghanistan. When his career was cut short on medical grounds, he was offered work by property developer Neil Houlihan and the idea for Project Recce was born.

The charity has since helped hundreds of veterans find quality employment in the industry through its three-phase programme. Taking a holistic approach, the course looks at the transition process, it includes talks from guest speakers and considers a range of employability skills, from CV writing to interview techniques.

Passionate about what they do, the team draws together the skills needed to ensure they are able to deliver on their mission statement: To become the number one organisation in the UK for veterans wishing to enter employment in the construction industry.

At their centre of operations, psychologist and counsellor Susan McCormack is able to provide direct support or assistance in finding a route to care for those who may be in need.

Finance Director Ruth Houlihan looks after the governance of the company, dealing with the various funders who have backed the project. CEO Neil Houlihan brings the experience and industry contacts gained through a twenty-year career as a surveyor and property developer.

With first-hand insight into the difficulties that are often faced by service leavers as they make the transition back into civilian life, Loz has a clear understanding of what is needed. An online community and support network has been set up and is proving beneficial both in practical terms and as a way of aiding and promoting good mental health among veterans.

It has long been recognised that the transferable skills gained through military service – planning, communication, risk management, logistics – make forces leavers an ideal match for working in the construction industry. The charity has forged strong relationships with some of the biggest names in the business and boasts an impressive success rate.

Speaking after announcing a three-year partnership with industry giant Balfour Beatty in May, Loz Moore said ‘We believe that finding sustainable employment beyond the military is a vital piece of the transition jigsaw. Today we have passed a major milestone with the acknowledgement that the construction industry is welcoming us with open arms.’ 

When the pandemic first struck in March 2020, the team acted with typical dynamism. Courses were quickly moved online and operations were able to continue with little adverse effect.

With the end of Covid restrictions now in sight, they are looking forwards once again. A brand new training centre will shortly be opened for the return of face-to-face courses. Deliberately chosen for its quiet, semi-rural nature, the site at Hillside Farm in Romiley at the edge of Greater Manchester will form a safe and relaxing environment. Some of the construction work has been undertaken by veterans who have been helped by Project Recce.

Members suffering from the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or other mental health problems will find a welcoming place among friendly and like-minded people.

Planning permission was granted by Stockport Council in April. Speaking at the time, CllrWendy Meikle backed the scheme, she said: ‘We have these shameful statistics – 6,000 ex-armed forces are homeless and one in 20 of them are in prison – this is horrendous.’