Building Heroes Receives Continued Support from Wickes Community Programme for Workshop Skills

_{Building Heroes trainees practice vital construction skills thanks to ongoing donations from Wickes.}

Building Heroes, a national tri-service military charity dedicated to retraining veterans and service leavers for careers in the construction industry, continues to benefit from the generous support of the Wickes Community Programme.

The latest donation includes essential workshop materials such as wallpaper, door handles, and dowelling, which help the military community build confidence and hand on skills as they undertake a Level 1 City and Guilds Diploma in Basic Construction.

The Wickes Community Programme, a nationwide initiative, supports local community groups and charities by providing donations of essential products. This ongoing partnership ensures that Building Heroes' workshops are well-equipped, allowing trainees to practice key construction tasks in realistic scenarios.

For veterans and service leavers supported by Building Heroes, this practical training is vital for providing them with the skills and experience necessary for successful transitions into civilian employment. The Wickes Community Programme's commitment directly contributes to the charity's mission of empowering individuals to build new careers.

Nicola Schneider, Deputy CEO at Building Heroes said: "The continued generosity of the Wickes Community Programme makes a tangible difference to the lives of our learners, enhancing the supplies for our programmes. Providing these essential materials allows us to deliver high-quality, practical training that directly aids our veterans and service leavers to develop skills, both for personal development and for the demands of the construction industry. We are incredibly grateful for Wickes' ongoing partnership and their commitment to supporting our mission."

Hannah Randle Hockin, Community Engagement Manager at Wickes said: "We are delighted to continue our support for Building Heroes and the vital work they do in empowering veterans and service leavers. We believe in the importance of equipping individuals with the skills they need to build successful futures, and Building Heroes does just that."

The Wickes Community Programme remains committed to supporting Building Heroes in their mission to provide valuable skills and career opportunities to veterans and service leavers.

The Wickes Community Programme is open to all local community groups seeking help for improvement projects. Find out more by going to www.wickes.co.uk/community-programme or pop into your local Wickes store.

Notes to editor

The Wickes Community Programme has supported over 3000 charities and projects and is looking for more to support. They have a product donation fund of a quarter of a million pounds to support charities and community organisations by providing relevant products to help them with essential maintenance, renovation or to complete new projects. Wickes prides itself on being a part of its local communities and is always looking at ways to make a material difference in the community.

For more information contact the Wickes Community Programme press office:

E-mail: hannah.randlehockin@wickes.co.uk
or visit: Wickes Community Programme

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About Wickes

Wickes is a digitally-led, service-enabled home improvement retailer. With an extensive range of products and DIY brands, a Kitchen and bathroom design and installation service and a loyalty scheme for local trade, Wickes is the perfect partner to help with both small and large-scale projects. With 230 sites across the UK and an extended range online, it has everything customers need, whether an amateur DIY-er or trade professional.

Our Responsible Business Strategy, ‘Built to Last’, is focused on three pillars - People, Environment and Homes. We are building a business we are proud of, where all our colleagues can feel at home and are empowered to support their communities and customers; we’re supporting the fight against climate change and taking action to protect the natural environment; and we’re helping the nation make their homes more sustainable.

Our Wickes Community Programme comes under our People pillar and aims to support local community groups and charity organisations by providing relevant products to help them with essential maintenance, renovation or to complete new projects. Wickes prides itself on being a part of its local communities and is always looking at ways to make a material difference in the community.

About Building Heroes

Building Heroes is a Queen’s Award-winning charity established in 2014 to support service leavers, veterans, reservists, and military families as they transition into meaningful second careers and successful civilian lives. We are dedicated to removing barriers and promoting social mobility through funded, supported skills training programmes that prepare learners for employment, self-employment, or further training.

Working at the intersection of the Armed Forces, education, and industry, Building Heroes collaborates with trusted training providers to deliver accredited civilian qualifications in construction, property maintenance, infrastructure, and green skills. Our programmes are designed to equip learners with the practical skills, confidence, and insight needed to thrive in the built environment sector.

We operate ten Skills Training Academies across England and have proudly graduated over 3,600 learners since our founding. As of the end of 2024, throughout the charity we are tracking a nearly 50% conversion rate from training into employment, self-employment, or further education in the sector.

Through strategic partnerships with industry and further education many of our Armed Forces-focused academies are embedded within live construction sites. This model offers real-world learning, broadens career insight, reinforces industry standards, and facilitates valuable networking to support future employment opportunities.

At Building Heroes, we believe no one who has served should be left behind. Together with our partners, we are building brighter futures through skills, opportunity, and a shared commitment to those who’ve served.

Media Enquiries:

For all interview requests and further information about Building Heroes, please contact sadie@creativepod.uk.com.

Social Media:

• Facebook: @BuildingHeroes
• LinkedIn: @building-heroes
• Twitter: @buildingheroes
• Instagram: @buildingheroes