Army Reservist Corporal Cheryl Martin landed her dream job working as a driving instructor with the Mainstream Group this year. For Reserves Day 21st June 2023, we recognise and thank Reservists like Cheryl for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to serving our country.
Cheryl has gained an impressive array of driving qualifications in six years with the Army Reserve. She is currently a section commander for 124 Transport Squadron Royal Logistic Corps. Cheryl explained: “Obtaining my heavy goods and articulated lorry licence gave me greater opportunities for employment. With a shortage of lorry drivers in the UK, I put the skills to beneficial use working with many logistic organisations.”
Cheryl’s unit, 124 Transport Squadron RLC invited local employers, organisations and members of the public to attend a special engagement event at their Army Reserve Centre in Brentwood . Visitors received presentations from the Commanding Officer, the East Anglia Regional Employer Engagement Director, and Forces Friendly employers. The event also included military stands outside where guests met and spoke to Reservists. East Anglia RFCA manages and maintains the Army Reserve Centres (ARC) that these Reserve Units train at during evenings and weekends.
Pete Hammond the Senior Operations Manager for Mainstream Group was one of the guests at the event. Pete said: “Cheryl is training military drivers as part of their Phase Two trade training. Cheryl’s military skills as a section Corporal and driver are perfectly aligned for this role.”
Pete added: “We employ lots of people from the Armed Forces Community because they have the right skills, driven by a can-do attitude. Reservists are a brilliant asset to the business.”
The event included a curry supper, and Cheryl was delighted to show her employer another set of skills. Pete found out that in her reserve role, Cpl Cheryl Martin had also trained as a military chef and was responsible for preparing and cooking the meal he had enjoyed.
He also got the honour of watching her awarded the Commanding Officers Coin for efficient service and support to the Squadron. Pete said: “As an employer Cheryl never ceases to surprise me. My hat goes off to her as I continue to support her in all that she does.”
The reservists of 158 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps are currently recruiting new people to join their units as Drivers in Bedford, Colchester, Ipswich and Peterborough. Details of the role and joining instructions are included on the part-time Army Reserve Driver job advert. Anyone looking to find out more about applying to the Army Reserve as a driver can attend a Driver recruitment evening; the next one is in our Kempston Army Reserve Centre on the outskirts of Bedford on 30th January 2024. Registration for the event is through the Eventbrite listing.
