Booking and full details: HERE
Information provided by: Central HIVE Hub
October 22, 2026
Defence Update: Veterans learning new skills to help build homes in London
A defence and Places for London partnership scheme is helping veterans use what they’ve learnt in the armed forces to build new careers in the construction industry.
Eight veterans are the very first people to take part in the brand-new ‘Building Beyond Service’ programme at the Earl's Court Skills Centre in London. They are learning how to safely operate plant machinery, which is the type of large equipment used on building sites – like diggers and excavators.
As they train, they are working towards qualifications that are recognised across the construction industry. This means that once they finish, they will have recognised proof of their new skills and a direct route to employers who are looking to hire.
Speaking about why the scheme matters, Minister for Veterans and People, Calvin Bailey MBE MP said:
"Veterans leave the armed forces with skills, experience and a work ethic that employers across the country are looking for.
"The challenge is often making sure those skills are recognised and creating a clear route into civilian careers. That's exactly what this programme is doing, helping veterans move into good jobs while supporting an industry that needs skilled people.
"Having made the transition from military service myself, I know how important these opportunities can be. This is a practical example of how we can back veterans to succeed long after they leave uniform."
The training is being delivered by the Places for London skills academy, working together with two partners: The Skills Centre and L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage.
If this first pilot group is successful, the plan is to help up to 60 veterans in total during the programme's first year.
Building growth and opportunities
Veterans leave the armed forces with brilliant skills: leadership, teamwork, discipline and often hands-on experience of engineering or logistics. But it is not always easy for employers to see how those skills fit into civilian jobs.
At the same time, the construction industry needs more skilled workers. Experts think the UK will need around 41,200 extra construction workers every year up to 2030.
This programme aims to connect those two things, helping veterans find good, lasting careers, while helping the construction industry fill its skills gap.
The scheme also delivers against the Defence Housing strategy, a £9.2 billion government plan to improve homes for military families and build more homes, with veterans and Forces families given priority for some of the new properties built on surplus defence land.
David Brewer, Chief Executive of the Defence Housing Service, said:
“Whilst delivering on the promises of the Defence Housing strategy, we are taking a truly forces first approach to create real opportunities for veterans and employers, which have the potential to lead to lasting careers in the construction industry.”
Joining together to support veterans
This new programme is the result of joined-up working between the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and Places for London, a property company owned by Transport for London. It recognises the contribution veterans can make to economic growth and the resilience of the UK.
Dorset: Veterans' biker down course - Wed 28th Oct
It is also open for currently serving and reserves.
If interested, please sign up by Fri 16th Oct.
Would you know what to do if you're first on scene at a motorcycle accident?
Biker Down is a free course, originally developed by Kent Fire and Rescue Service, which is taught across the UK by emergency service professionals.
Biker Down teaches vital scene management and first aid skills to keep an injured motorcyclist safe and alive until paramedics arrive.
Biker Down is a free course, originally developed by Kent Fire and Rescue Service, which is taught across the UK by emergency service professionals.
Biker Down teaches vital scene management and first aid skills to keep an injured motorcyclist safe and alive until paramedics arrive.
Booking form and further details here: Veterans' Biker Down Course - 28th October
Direct Link to Booking Form: https://docbike.beaconforms.com/form/b1574492
Direct Link to Booking Form: https://docbike.beaconforms.com/form/b1574492
Mental Health Motorbike are proud to be working with DocBike Dorset to organise a Biker Down course for motorcyclists who are Armed Forces Veterans, currently serving, or Reservists.
This is a great opportunity for the armed forces community to connect with each other whilst learning essential first aid skills. Our Mental Health Motorbike team will also be here to engage with veterans to raise awareness of mental health, and the support services available.
If you're not connected to military service but would like to attend Biker Down, find out if DocBike deliver courses in your area. Or search DocBike’s National Directory.
Information provided by Bovington HIVE
Bovington: Citizens Advice sessions at Bovington HIVE every Thursday - Free advice & support
PLEASE NOTE ADVICE SESSIONS ON THURS 22nd & 29th OCTOBER WILL BE HELD IN THE PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL ROOM WITHIN THE HIVE BUILDING.
Available to all Garrison personnel, spouses, partners, reserves, veterans, civil servants, MOD contractors and local civilian community. Confidentiality guaranteed.
Appointments are not necessary, just turn up. First come, first serve basis.
Appointments are not necessary, just turn up. First come, first serve basis.
Information provided by Bovington HIVE
Blandford: Garrison monthly book club event - Fri 23rd Oct
Our book club brings people together to enjoy reading, share thoughts on books, and have friendly, engaging conversations in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
For more information on the book club please contact us 07766537726, or drop into the office Wed 1330 - 1530hrs for a chat.
Information provided by Bovington HIVE
Blandford: Garrison cinema showing 'Ali G: Who Iz I' - Fri 23rd & Wed 28th Oct
Food and drink available to purchase at the door.
Ticket prices
Adult (15+) £4
Adult (15+) £4
Child £3
family ticket £11
Senior (60+) £3
Student £3
Senior (60+) £3
Student £3
For more information and to watch trailers click https://cinemas.bfbs.com/blandford
Dorset: Wool community cinema showing ' Finding Your Feet' - Fri 23rd Oct
Stars Timothy Spall, Imelda Staunton and Celia Imrey.
Doors open at 18:30, screening starts at 19:00.
Doors open at 18:30, screening starts at 19:00.
Ticket prices - Adults £6:00 Children £4:00.
When Lady Sandra Abbott discovers that her husband of 40 years is having an affair with her best friend, she seeks refuge in London with her estranged, older sister Bif. The two could not be more different - Sandra is a fish out of water next to her outspoken, serial dating, free-spirited sibling. But different is just what Sandra needs at the moment, and she reluctantly lets Bif drag her along to a community dance class, where she starts finding her feet.
When Lady Sandra Abbott discovers that her husband of 40 years is having an affair with her best friend, she seeks refuge in London with her estranged, older sister Bif. The two could not be more different - Sandra is a fish out of water next to her outspoken, serial dating, free-spirited sibling. But different is just what Sandra needs at the moment, and she reluctantly lets Bif drag her along to a community dance class, where she starts finding her feet.
Information provided by Bovington HIVE
October 21, 2026
Catterick: Community Engagement Event Thu 22nd Oct
On behalf of the Catterick Garrison Town Centre Project Team, we are pleased to invite you to a community engagement event showcasing the Catterick Garrison Town Centre Development on Thursday 22 October, from 4pm to 8pm at The Bridge Community Centre, Shute Road, Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire DL9 4AF.
This drop-in session will provide an opportunity to see the progress being made on the £21 million regeneration project, including the new Community and Enterprise Centre, town square and improvements to Coronation Park.
You will be able to view a virtual tour of the development, meet members of the project team, see the latest plans and find out more about the opportunities the new facilities available for residents, community groups, businesses and partner organisations.
The project will create new community facilities, flexible business space, event and training facilities, improved public spaces and enhanced park amenities, helping to create a vibrant town centre that brings together both military and civilian communities.
We would be delighted if you could join us and help shape the future of this important community asset.
No booking is required. Please feel free to drop in at any time during the session
Information provided by North HIVE Hub
Bovington: Wool Parish Newsletter Nov 2026
Local information, events, notices & updates
Information provided by Bovington HIVE
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