COLLEGE REWARDED FOLLOWING ARMED FORCES EMPLOYMENT PLEDGE

Image caption: Artwork for the bronze award for the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme.

North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College has been recognised with a Bronze award for promoting employment policies that support Armed Forces veterans and their families. The College has become one of 3,000 organisations across the country that has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, formalising their status as a forces-friendly employer.

The College earned the accolade from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) following its pledge to support employment for reservists, veterans, cadet instructors, and military spouses and their partners.

The ERS recognises the commitment and support of UK employers for defence personnel. The scheme comprises Bronze, Silver and Gold awards for employers who support those who serve, or have served, in the Armed Forces, and their families.

Nicola Morrison, Director of HR, Organisational Development and Marketing at North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College said, “We recognise the wide range of unique skills and experiences that Armed Forces members can contribute to the College, helping with our mission to diversify the talent within our workforce.

“We are delighted to support the Armed Forces Covenant and will work closely with the ERS to ensure that our forces-friendly policies are well promoted throughout the military community.”

North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College already employs two army veterans:

Andrew Ball, Learning and Skills Manager for Engineering

A former Signals Corp commander who saw active service in the Gulf War has been inspiring a new generation of engineers since he changed career and moved into teaching. After being discharged from the Army, Andrew Ball set his own business, and joined a college course to update his qualifications in electronics. An opportunity to help college students as a part-time technician has evolved over the last decade and now Andrew has been promoted to learning and skills manager for the engineering team. He believes that his military experience and the transferable skills he developed provided the foundation for his ability to change paths and forge a successful career in the education sector.

Charlene Readman, Lecturer in Motor Vehicle

Charlene served in the Army for seven years with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) from bases in the UK and Germany and was deployed on operations in Afghanistan carrying out a seven-month tour of duty where she was responsible for the maintenance of a range of armoured vehicles. She later joined the Army recruitment team helping to develop and mentor potential new recruits, enabling them to gain a valuable insight into military life. Charlene’s experience in the team inspired her to follow a career in teaching and she joined the College as a lecturer in motor vehicle engineering, passing on her skills and knowledge to young people, enabling them to start their own successful careers.

Nicola added, “North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College is currently focusing on reinforcing its workforce in the STEM areas including multi-skills within construction. The College is happy to support applicants with qualifications in their Armed Forces specialism, enabling them to add teaching qualifications to their portfolio. Candidates with experience as an engineer or engineering technician are in high demand at our Nuneaton campus to pass on their skills to the next generation.”

Click here for information on careers and current job vacancies at NWSLC.