VGC Group has acquired a majority stake in CareerForces, the veteran-led recruitment social enterprise supporting service leavers into meaningful civilian careers.
The acquisition expands VGC’s recruitment capability into veteran and defence-focused hiring while opening new career pathways for ex-forces personnel across the UK’s infrastructure and construction sectors.
Founded in 2019 by former Royal Engineer Warrant Officer Andy Howe, CareerForces was established to help service leavers move into long-term civilian careers. The organisation focuses on understanding the individual behind the CV, including their motivations, family circumstances, skills and career direction.
Since its launch, CareerForces has supported more than 1,600 service leavers through mentoring, career guidance and employment opportunities across sectors including construction, housing, logistics, engineering and facilities management.
Alongside recruitment support, it also raises funds and runs initiatives that benefit veteran charities and communities.
For VGC Group, the acquisition adds specialist expertise in veteran talent and strengthens its role as a workforce partner to infrastructure and construction employers across the UK.
VGC Group helps infrastructure and construction companies build skilled workforces across the UK, operating across sectors including construction, highways, rail, transportation, energy and utilities.
Both VGC Group and CareerForces hold the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, recognising their support for members of the armed forces community.
Ciara Pryce, CEO of VGC Group, said:
“We are pleased to acquire a majority stake in CareerForces, marking an important step in our growth strategy and strengthening our long-standing commitment to the defence and veterans community.
This partnership expands our capability to support service leavers, reservists and veterans into meaningful, sustainable careers, while connecting our clients with a highly skilled and experienced talent pool.
The skills, discipline and values developed through military service are highly relevant to the future of UK infrastructure, construction and engineering, and this partnership allows us to create more structured pathways into those sectors.”
The acquisition comes at a time when infrastructure and construction employers continue to face skills shortages across technical, operational and project-based roles.
Veterans bring experience that translates well into these environments, including leadership, discipline, resilience and teamwork.
CareerForces has placed candidates into a wide range of roles in the UK and overseas, working with employers across construction, housing, logistics, engineering, manufacturing and related sectors.
Through VGC Group, veterans will gain access to a wider range of roles across construction, highways, infrastructure, transportation and energy projects.
Andy Howe, Founder of CareerForces, said:
“CareerForces was created to help service leavers move into meaningful civilian careers that reflect their skills, ambitions and personal circumstances.
Over the past six years, we have supported more than 1,600 people as they transition into civilian employment. Becoming part of VGC Group gives us the opportunity to extend that work and connect veterans with a wider range of career opportunities across infrastructure and construction.”
The partnership also strengthens the social value activity associated with both organisations. Alongside recruitment support, CareerForces has supported veteran charities through fundraising initiatives, including its annual golf event in support of the On Course Foundation, which works with injured veterans.
Looking ahead, VGC Group and CareerForces will continue to develop career pathways for veterans and blue-light leavers, alongside mentoring and transition support for those entering civilian employment.
Andy Howe said:
“Our vision remains the same: every UK veteran should have access to meaningful new careers. With VGC Group, we are in a stronger position to move that work forward.”
Chris Ryan, COO of VGC Group, added:
“We will be working closely with the CareerForces team to ensure a smooth transition and to expand the opportunities this partnership creates for clients, partners and the defence community.”
Employers interested in hiring veteran talent, or service leavers exploring new career opportunities, can contact CareerForces at info@careerforces.co.uk.More information can be found at:
https://careerforces.co.uk/
https://vgcgroup.co.uk/
