The Chartered Institute of Building is launching a new campaign to co-incide with Armed Forces Day this week.

Around 20,000 people leave the armed forces every year as military spending cuts continue to bite.

And the institute said around 17,000 new construction managers will be needed over the next four years as construction continues to grow.

Bridget Bartlett, Deputy Chief Executive at the CIOB said: “Men and women who have served in the military often possess excellent leadership, team working, project management and problem solving skills, all of which are highly sought after in the construction industry.

“There are plenty of opportunities for those leaving the armed forces to begin a new career in construction and that is not limited to trade skills but also at the management level.

“A large number of CIOB members are either serving in or have had a background in the military.

“What is encouraging is to see employers within the industry readily engaging with the armed forces community and we are keen to work with them and the military to increase the accessibility of construction management careers.”

Military qualifications such as an HNC in Military Clerk of Works or Design Draftsman Class 1 are recognised by the CIOB for its membership programmes.