The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) has received the Bronze Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) in recognition of its support for the Armed Forces community.
The ERS recognises commitment and support from UK employers for Defence personnel, with the bronze, silver and gold scheme awarded to organisations who support those who serve (or have served) in the Armed Forces.
Earlier this year, the industry-led skills body for the engineering construction industry signed the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) at an army engagement event in Teesside.
This voluntary pledge demonstrates a commitment to support the Armed Forces community who are re-entering civilian life and to publicly recognise the contribution that Service personnel, veterans and military families make to the organisation, community and to the country.
ECITB Chief Executive Andrew Hockey said: “A key pillar of our Leading Industry Learning strategy is to grow a skilled workforce, and developing closer links with the Armed Forces community will help us to identify employment routes for veterans seeking new careers and explore bespoke pipelines of skilled workers into the engineering construction industry.
“The ECITB actively supports the Armed Forces Covenant and has created training pathways into industry, such as the Military into Offshore Wind programme we ran earlier this year.
“As part of the ECITB’s work widening our network throughout the Armed Forces community, we are exploring how we can work more closely with the Armed Forces Reserves. For example, we are looking at the potential of them providing leadership development sessions for our Scholarship programme at centres in the north-east of England.”
Forging closer links with the Armed Forces community
During Andrew’s recent visit to Scotland he visited the Officers’ Association (OA)* Scotland in Edinburgh and met with CEO Heather McVeigh.
He said: “I had an excellent and constructive conversation with Heather about how we can support and encourage those leaving the military to enter the engineering construction industry.
“I also got the chance to visit the poppy factory adjacent to its offices to see a good example first-hand of delivering work for ex-military personnel.”
*OA Scotland provides lifelong employment and welfare support to officers and their families throughout their transition out of the Armed Forces and beyond.
