From military to prison to rebuilding his life to rebuilding other veteran's lives

In this episode, we sit down with Darren Wright, founder of Veterans Into Logistics - a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping struggling military veterans transition into meaningful careers in logistics and construction.

About Our Guest: 

Darren Wright is a former Royal Artillery Airborne Gunner who founded Veterans Into Logistics in 2020 in memory of his army colleague Jamie Doyle, who tragically died less than a year after leaving the military. What started as HGV driver training has now expanded into promoting mobile crane operation, directly connecting to the construction industry. 

What We Discuss: 

✅ What inspired Darren to start this organisation

✅ The challenges veterans face transitioning to civilian employment 

✅ How Veterans Into Logistics provides training and job placement 

✅ Expanding from HGV driving into mobile crane operations 

✅ Lobbying for ELCAS (Enhanced Learning Credits) regulation changes 

✅ The shortage of skilled operators in construction and logistics 

✅ Industry partnerships and success stories 

✅ Plus our usual fun nonsense questions to wrap up!

Connect with Veterans Into Logistics: 

🌐 Website: https://veteransintologistics.org.uk/ 

📱 Follow them on social media to support their mission

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-wright-7067ba1a4/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manconamission

Job board: https://veteransjobboard.uk/

About The Construction Cogs Podcast: We interview the people behind the construction industry - from groundbreaking entrepreneurs to skilled tradespeople making a difference. If you're in construction or interested in the industry, subscribe for monthly episodes!

Be a guest: 

To become a guest, WhatsApp me on 07984687570 or email [email protected]

https://constructioncogs.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConstructionCogsPodcast

https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/

https://www.tiktok.com/@cccranelife

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/

https://www.reddit.com/user/ConstructionCogs/

In this episode of The Construction Cogs Podcast, we sit down with Rob Hammond, founder of ARSS UK Ltd, a specialist adoptable roads and sewer services company.

Rob shares his journey into the infrastructure sector and explains what it takes to run a business, covering everything from sewer connections and pumping stations to road building and deep drainage work. 

As a true family business, Rob works alongside his wife and son, and they often travel together to wherever the work takes them across the UK.

While many construction businesses have struggled with the current economic climate, Rob reveals how his company has managed to thrive and continue growing despite the challenges facing the wider industry.

Rob also sprung a surprise guest on me, which was very welcome and just the person the industry needs to listen to.

We dive deep into: 

✅ How to break into the adoptable infrastructure sector 

✅ What adoptable roads and sewer services actually involves 

✅ Managing a family business in construction 

✅ Speaking to the surprise guest

✅ Observations on the current construction retention rate

✅ Managing stress

✅ What he's found in the ground

✅ Team management 

✅ Drugs in construction

Plus, we wrap up with our signature "Nonsense Questions" segment for some lighter moments!

Whether you're looking to understand more about this essential but often overlooked part of construction, or you're interested in the realities of running a specialist infrastructure business, this episode has something for you.

WHERE TO FIND ROB:

🔗 ARSS UK Ltd: https://www.arss.uk/ 📧 Contact: 0800 949 4567

🔗 LinkedIn: Rob Hammond ARSS UK Ltd Adoptable Roads and Sewers Services | LinkedIn

https://constructioncogs.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConstructionCogsPodcast

https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/

https://www.tiktok.com/@cccranelife

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/

https://www.reddit.com/user/ConstructionCogs/

In this episode, we sit down with Jenna Hartwig, Business Development Manager at Foundation Personnel Ltd, to get an insider's perspective on the current construction job market and what it takes to land your next role in the industry.

Jenna works directly with construction companies to secure contracts, while also connecting skilled candidates with the right opportunities. Her unique position gives her valuable insights into both sides of the hiring equation.

Here are some of the areas we cover:
- Jenna's career journey and role at Foundation Personnel
- The reality of today's construction climate and why work has slowed down
- The ongoing skilled trades shortage and what it means for job seekers
- Practical tips to make yourself stand out to employers
- Why Red Card lifting personnel are facing employment challenges right now
- Strategies for breaking into the construction industry
- The stigma attached to recruitment workers
- Ditching her blow-up boyfriend

Whether you're looking to start your construction career, switch roles, or understand the current market dynamics, this conversation offers real-world advice from someone who sees the industry from the ground up.

About the Guest: Jenna Hartwig is a Business Development Manager at Foundation Personnel Ltd, where she bridges the gap between construction companies seeking talent and skilled professionals looking for their next opportunity.

Want to break into construction? Subscribe for more industry insights, career advice, and conversations with professionals who can help guide your path into this essential industry.

https://constructioncogs.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConstructionCogsPodcast

https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/

https://www.tiktok.com/@cccranelife

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/

https://www.reddit.com/user/ConstructionCogs/

Listen to Ian discussing what's involved with running a multi-million pound project. As well as his early years as a rock star (almost).

You can see more episodes at https://constructioncogs.com/

Welcome to Episode 3 of The Construction Cogs Podcast! In this episode, our first visual podcast features Ania Bułecka, a seasoned slinger/signaller, crane supervisor, and Appointed Person. 

ANIA TALKS ABOUT:
Life in Poland
Her degree in teaching
How she got into construction
Moving from London to Liverpool
Insights into the heavy machinery industry
Tips for crane supervisors and general contractors
Her positive and negative experiences in construction
Success stories from the construction site

https://constructioncogs.com/

Wayne Scott, a crane appointed person (AP), who sometimes regrets being a Spurs fan.

You can see more episodes at https://constructioncogs.com/

My cousin Chris is a trainer and NPORS assessor at Marlborough Highways.

The key talking points in this episode are:

- Dyslexia

- Overcoming imposter syndrome

- How the awarding bodies should change

- Investing in local communities

- Marlborough Highways apprenticeships

- People skills

- Staff retention 

- Mickey Mouse qualifications

- Being a mental health first aider

- Struggling with office etiquette

- Public respect of road workers

- How he cooks eggy bread

- Wearing a dress

You can see more episodes at https://constructioncogs.com/

https://constructioncogs.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConstructionCogsPodcast

https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/

https://www.tiktok.com/@cccranelife

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/

https://www.reddit.com/user/ConstructionCogs/

Michael discusses the best ways to get into site management.

He was also brave enough to talk about how he turned his life around after abusing drink and drugs. A journey that has made him a much better person.

🔎 Find Michael Harris here:

✅ TikTok: https:https://www.tiktok.com/@pheonixarise?_t=ZN-8v4F36oToN4&_r=1

✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selfhelpharrisigsh=Y3k3Z281bW4xMmVq📢

https://www.youtube.com/@UCBm2Dfg5ff_BINLb9n4MIsA 

▼ Connect with us ▼

📌 Website: https://constructioncogs.com/

📌 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/

📌 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/

📌 Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/ConstructionCogs/

https://constructioncogs.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConstructionCogsPodcast

https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/

https://www.tiktok.com/@cccranelife

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/

https://www.reddit.com/user/ConstructionCogs/

In this episode, we sit down with Deborah Madden, Executive Director of Engagement at CITB, to discuss the future of the construction industry, skills development, and CITB’s role in workforce training.

Deb also debunks the myths and stigma attached to CITB by explaining what the organisation is and what it does.

Key talking points:

- Shortage of trades

- Unemployment- Apprenticeships

- Retaining employees

- Women in construction

- New Entrant Support Team (NEST)

- Employer Networks

- Levy premiums

- Engagement

- Innovative creativity

- Generational leadership

- Stress

- Suicide in the family

Website: https://constructioncogs.com/

https://constructioncogs.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConstructionCogsPodcast

https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/

https://www.tiktok.com/@cccranelife

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/

https://www.reddit.com/user/ConstructionCogs/

Website: https://constructioncogs.com/

Steve Kirby - a former demolition worker and now life coach - tells us about how a near fatal accident at work changed his life. For the worst at first, then for the better.

Some key talking points are:

- Life in demolition

- Almost dying in a trench

- Heavy alcohol consumption

- Depression and PTSD

- Suicidal thoughts

- Non-reporting of incidents

- Safety at work- Site politics

- SKLifecoach UK Ltd

- Talks and conferences

- Mental health in construction

🔎Here's where you can find Steve:

Website: https://sklifecoachuk.co.uk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-kirby-2019/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sklifecoachuk/?__pwa=1

https://constructioncogs.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@CCcranelife

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConstructionCogsPodcast

https://www.instagram.com/cccranelife/

https://www.tiktok.com/@cccranelife

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywebb/

https://www.reddit.com/user/ConstructionCogs/