Partnering with Defence Programme

Local employers are being encouraged to look to the skills of military professionals to bridge the skills gaps in some of Essex's growing industries.

The Reserve Forces are specialists who train and build skills to prepare for when they may be called upon to support the Regular Forces. As a result, they build key skills such as leadership, teamwork and organisation, as well as many technical skills which are valuable to SME's and national businesses alike.

From specialist driving qualifications, to nursing, IT and engineering, the Reserve Forces can provide skills that would typically cost £8,000 of training (Chartered Management Institution). Employers like NHS, BT, Tesco and Atkins, are already benefitting from these specialists:

“With the security and resilience of the UK’s critical infrastructure, facilities and systems under continual threat, the skills and knowledge of our Armed Forces staff have never been more important to Atkins. Their contribution to our company, our clients and the nation is both immense and highly valued.” Nick Roberts - UK and Europe CEO, Atkins.

Working with Defence is easy:

The Ministry of Defence’s Relationship Management (DRM) team provides an accessible interface for employers in the UK to partner with Defence. DRM can help your organisation form the right partnerships and act as a trusted, single point of access to all Defence personnel initiatives. From the moment you indicate your willingness to support Defence, DRM will work with you to tailor opportunities to meet your own goals.

By becoming and Armed Forces Champion, you will enable your organisation to be recognised as a Defence friendly employer by publicly demonstrating your support to members of the Armed Forces. This scheme is available across East Anglia employers.

You can download the full East Anglia Delegate Pack here. You can also contact Regional Employer Engagement Director, Kirstina Carrington, for more information at: ea-empsp@rfca.mod.uk