With the well-reported recruitment challenges in the sector, companies are looking to the Armed Forces, recognising the skills that ex-military personnel have. Simon King reports
According to the Ministry of Defence, around 14,000 people leave the UK Armed Forces every year. That’s a huge pool of talent, discipline and real-world experience.
If even a small percentage of those individuals considered pest control, the impact on the industry’s workforce could be transformative.
Cleankill director Clive Bury said: “Employing veterans can be very beneficial. Armed Forces personnel are highly trained individuals who have worked in an environment where punctuality, preparation, managing equipment, working as a team and interaction with the public are all major factors.”
Mark Moseley, the owner of PestGone Environmental, is a former soldier and contestant on series 17 of The Apprentice, and he also sits on the board of the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM).
Mr Moseley said: “We strongly believe that there is a significant crossover between military roles and careers in facilities management. The FM sector covers a broad range of services – from soft services like cleaning and catering, to hard services such as building maintenance and infrastructure management.
“Everywhere you look in the corporate world, FM is in action. From stepping off a train and seeing platform cleaners and station staff, to entering an office where lighting is maintained and pest issues are kept under control – it’s all facilities management. Many veterans are already employed in these roles, but there’s room – and the need – for many more.”
With conservative estimates that 40% of pest controllers will retire within the next decade, there is a growing need for companies in the sector to widen their search when recruiting.
Mr Bury said Cleankill has been lucky and managed to recruit ex-Armed Forces staff through the usual recruitment channels.
“Those we employ are really good at the job, so we decided to get more involved, and show our support by signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant.”
What skills do veterans bring to pest control companies?
“Veterans bring more than just discipline and reliability,” Mr Moseley said. “They’re not afraid to get their hands dirty – whether it’s removing a decomposing animal or solving an urgent infestation. They think before acting, remain calm under pressure, and always aim to do the job to the highest possible standard. They’re also capable of improvising when needed – a vital skill in pest control, where every situation can be different.”
Mr Moseley says that some struggle to find purpose in civilian life, as they miss being part of a close-knit team and having a clear mission.
“In pest control, we offer exactly that – a chance to make a real difference,” he said. “We help people regain control of their homes and peace of mind.”
Attracting new talent to the pest control industry is vital. Our sector is facing increased public health responsibilities, more complex regulatory requirements, and a growing need to demonstrate professionalism at every level.
We need smart, capable, reliable people, and military leavers fit the bill. Opening the door to veterans doesn’t just benefit them, it benefits all of us.
It’s no surprise that the pest management industry appeals to people with military backgrounds
Karen Dawes, BPCA training and development manager, said the association is regularly contacted by individuals leaving the Armed Forces who are keen to enter our sector. “Many want to use their Enhanced Learning Credits or Resettlement Grants – funding specifically designed to help service leavers retrain and transition into civilian careers,” Mrs Dawes said.
“But there’s a catch: the current industry-standard entry qualification, the RSPH/BPCA Level 2 Award in Pest Management, doesn’t meet the eligibility criteria.
“That’s because, under the Enhanced Learning Credits scheme (ELCAS) only training at Level 3 or above on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) qualifies for resettlement funding. It’s a frustrating barrier, not just for ex-forces candidates, but for our industry as a whole.”
BPCA is working hard to raise the standard of entry qualifications to Level 3.
Mrs Dawes said: “By raising the level of our entry training, we achieve two things. First, we help ex-service personnel access the funding they’re entitled to, removing one of the key obstacles to joining the industry.
“Second, we demonstrate to regulators, clients, and the government that pest management is a skilled, technical, and vital profession, deserving of respect, recognition, and investment.”