Forty employers visiting RAF Marham this month were treated to a close encounter with the new jet fighter, the Lockheed Martin F35b Lightning.
On site to talk about the Armed Forces Covenant and the Employer Recognition Scheme, the guests were invited on a coach tour of the RAF base, stopping to see the new jets. The guests were able to look inside the cockpit, speak with one of the pilots and take a good look at the aircraft with the permission of the Station Commander, Group Captain Ian Townsend.
Group Captain Townsend said: “The value of our Reserve Forces personnel cannot be overstated. It is the support given by our local employers that determines whether we are able to successfully retain and utilise our personnel for continued and future operational output”
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: “As they’ve always been, Norfolk employers were very supportive and I’m looking forward to helping them turn their promises into [Armed Forces Covenant] pledges.”
RFCA members who volunteer on the Employer Engagement Group, such as Mr Barry Lipman from BT and Shaun Hindle from the College of West Anglia, were on hand to share their experience with guests who had yet to fully understand the benefits of supporting those who serve, have served, and their families.
Robyn Shane, Resourcing Business Partner for Network Rail said: “The entire day was insightful, engaging and thoroughly enjoyable. Whilst Network Rail already partners with CTP and allows our reservists to continue to serve their country, the day helped inspire me to realise we can still do more. I look forward to partnering with the Armed Forces, especially RAF Marham, soon”
To register your interest in attending one of our events across East Anglia, please contact Kristina and her team on 01245 244817.