Thirty employers visited Norwich Army Reserve Centre, to find out first-hand what Reservist training is really like.
Alex Cosgrove, Director of the Grow Organisation (main image) said: “It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening. We will definitely be open to hiring a reservist next time we have a vacancy. Oh, and can’t quite believe the weight of the kit! Respect.”
The Reserve units who train at the Norwich Army Reserve Centre in the evenings and at weekends put on a range of interactive displays including a field hospital, a mortar platoon weapons tent, ration packs, weapons and protective gear.
The reservists explained their training and their role in the Army to the employers. Some reservists were part of 254 Medical Regiment, some part of 3 Royal Anglian Regiment, and 6 Army Air Corps.
Barry Lipman, from BT Openreach who volunteers on the East Anglia RFCA Employer Engagement Board in Norfolk said: “Chatting with other business leaders, it is refreshingly apparent there is an appetite to support reservists in the work place. The time spent networking was time well spent.”
Julie Lipman also from BT Openreach, and who volunteers on the East Anglia RFCA Employer Engagement Board in Suffolk said: “The reservists this evening were most knowledgeable and helpful. It was good to meet other employers and share with them the experience that we have had at BT; there is a lot to be gained by that personal view and experience.”
Two other members of the East Anglia RFCA Employer Engagement Group for Norfolk took part in the event, Shaun Hindle the Director of Employer Engagement at the College of West Anglia, and Ivor Bartram RAFVR(T) a retired RAF Wing Commander.
Kristina Carrington, Regional Employer Engagement Director on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, and members of the East Anglia RFCA Employer Engagement Group for Norfolk were on hand to highlight the benefits to businesses who partner with Defence. Kristina said: “It’s always rewarding for employers to be invited to get up close and personal with Reservists in their own surroundings.”
Everyone who attended the event will be invited to pledge their support to reservists by signing the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of their business, and update their HR policies to show they are supportive of employing reservists.