CERTIFICATES were handed out to military veterans after they completed intensive training to “help them reintegrate into society”.

Building Heroes held its first five-week-long engineering course at the Energy Skills Centre, in Foster Road, Parkeston, in partnership with Colchester Institute.

A dozen veterans gained a trading certificate.

Glynis Argue, progression officer at Building Heroes, said the charity is helping military service leavers, veterans and their families to reintegrate into civilian life.

She said: “The course was very successful, it even led to employment straight after in some cases.

“A total of 12 serving and ex-military have undertaken this course and all passed with flying colours, achieving a Performing Engineering Operations Level 2 City & Guilds qualification.

“One of the key elements is to support learners throughout the training and look to help them progress into employment.

“The course gives them a massive uplift in confidence and motivation.”

Mayor and Mayoress of Harwich, Alan and Sylvia Todd, presented the students with certificates of achievement.

He said: “I’m hoping more ex-army personnel in Harwich will use the service to get their lives back.

“The course meant all the difference to those who took part- they were absolutely delighted.”

The graduation took place on Friday, February 28.

The charity’s aim is to tackle unemployment amongst those who have kept us safe by offering them a seamless transition to a new career in construction.

Figures show about 120,000 military veterans are still unemployed in Britain.

To register interest visit buildingheroes.org.uk or call 01798 87452.