ARMED FORCES TALENT
QTS is committed to helping ex forces personnel to find fulfilling and sustainable employment when they leave the military. We believe that those serving in our military have the right skills and experience to join our workforce.
In 2020, we signed the Armed Forces Covenant to became bronze members, progressing to silver status in 2023, and finally achieving gold status in 2024. QTS recognises the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to our business. We seek to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces covenant by supporting the employment and training development of veterans as well as supporting the employment of service spouses and partners. We believe those currently serving can bring a great work ethic, the ability to work under pressure, and the confidence to work in an ever busy and changing environment to the QTS Group.
ARMED FORCES CHAMPION
Our Armed Forces champion, Jane McFadzean, has been put in place to maintain the company’s commitment to support the Armed Forces and their families and veterans, and raise the profile of the support provided by the council and the community. The role of the Armed Forces champion is to:
- be the key link/contact between QTS and the Armed Forces community in the surrounding area
- be kept up to date on activities being undertaken locally to support service personnel and their families
- have up to date knowledge on any Armed Forces issues and be able to provide information on local activities
- attend events relating to the Armed Forces
- raise the profile of the Armed Forces and ex-Service personnel and promote local events
- develop and encourage local businesses to support the Covenant
OUR PLEDGES
- Offering two weeks paid leave to Reservists
- Having a dedicated Armed Forces Champion
- Making links with local military organisations to discuss vacancies and opportunities
- Having regular open days and information sessions for those in their transition period
- Working closely with local cadet groups to promote the railway industry
- Provide for current ex military staff with free employee assistance counselling and additional health benefits
By working closely with our Regional Director we are hoping to achieving ‘GOLD’ status in the near future! Read about some of our current staff who had a military background and find out about their journey from military life to civvy street.
Case studies
Colin Moore
NW&C CAM Drainage Manager Colin Moore gives us an insight into his journey from the Armed Forces to QTS.
I joined the Army in 2010. I was in the Royal Artillery as a Forward Observer, doing Surveillance and Target Acquisition. Whilst serving I completed a number of qualifications including NVQ’s in IT & Telecoms and HGV licenses to assist with the Fire Support Team Role whilst on operations, which helped as we co-ordinated fire missions via radio comms to the guns, mortars and fast air when we were on the ground. During part of my service I was posted with a Royal Artillery TA unit, training and mentoring Fire Support Teams to assist them through their basic training and Forward Observer courses.
GARY BURNETT
I joined the Army in 2000 as a 16-year-old, initially joining the Adjutant Generals Corps before transferring to the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment. I left the Army in 2006 and used my resettlement training to get my CPCS excavator, dumper and telehandler tickets.
I worked on civil engineering sites in Ireland as an operative before starting an HND in Building Production Technology. On completion of the HND, I got a job as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor for Birse Rail, working on a Civil Engineering framework with Network Rail. Here I first met QTS who worked as a sub-contractor to Birse. After joining QTS, I worked my way up through various positions and became Regional Director.
CRAIG CLARK
I joined the army as a junior soldier at 17 years old in 2011 and was posted to 39 Engineer Regiment which provided specialist air support engineering to the RAF. After five years of service, I left the army in 2016 to pursue a civilian career.
Upon leaving the military I started working in the rail industry as an operative for a civils contractor. Here I was able to work on various infrastructure projects and really got to know the rail industry. As I had left education so early, I was keen to catch up and went back part time to do Highers, a HNC in Construction Management and a NEBOSH general certificate.
In early 2023 I started working with QTS as an engineer and since have returned to further education pursuing a degree in civil engineering.
