Month: November 2019

Auctus Management Group become BuildForce Alliance members

14,000 individuals leave the Armed Forces every year, many of whom are not aware of the opportunities available within the Rail and Construction industries.  To meet the challenges in an ever-expanding industry, and with an increasing aging workforce, the sector calls for organisations, companies and individuals who strive at bringing new and capable employees. As a result, and building on their commitment to…

Reservists and Cadets share their stories at evening event

In November West Midland RFCA held a briefing at their newest Army Reserve Centre, Dancox House in Worcester. The networking evening attracted over 80 people including local employers, mayors, councillors’ schools and Association Members. The guests were welcomed with drinks before sitting down for the presentations. The compere for the evening was Michael Collie, of BBC fame, who kept the event running smoothly. …

Worcester Gunners Armed Forces Covenant Breakfast

West Midland RFCA’s Employer Engagement Team hosted a Worcester Gunners breakfast alongside Circle2success 214 (Worcestershire) Battery Royal Artillery and Worcestershire County Council. The breakfast event was to highlight the opportunities and benefits of businesses working with the Armed Forces. The event hosted some presentations from the West Midland RFCA, 214 Battery, Circle2Success, Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award winners Harrison Clark Rickerbys and an…

Winners delight as they receive their Gold Award

Eight of our employers based in the West Midlands were inducted into Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Alumni Association on 12 November 2019. The regional winners were: Auctus Management, Harrison Clark Rickerbys, North Warwickshire Borough Council, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, Warwickshire Police, West Mercia Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service. They join a total of…

West Midland RFCA holds a high flying afternoon tea

In September West Midland RFCA held their first briefing of the year in the very impressive Hangar One at RAF Museum, Cosford.  The afternoon event attracted over 100 people including local employers, mayors, councillors, schools and Association members. The guests were welcomed with tea and coffee before sitting down for the presentations.  The compere for the afternoon was Michael Collie, of BBC fame,…

HMS FORWARD receive the Freedom of the City of Wolverhampton

HMS FORWARD, the only Royal Naval Reserve Unit in the West Midlands, received the Freedom of the City of Wolverhampton on Saturday 28th September. The Freedom of the City is an honour reserved for military units, and as such, the Ship’s Company of Birmingham’s Royal Naval Reserve Unit paraded the Queen’s Colour through the streets of Wolverhampton. They were joined by the Band of the Royal…

Biennial Review success for Barr Beacon School

Barr Beacon School’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) proudly showcased their skills at their first Biennial Review. The review took place at the Defence Training Estate’s Swynnerton Camp in Staffordshire and saw the cadets take part in a number of activities such as first aid, rifle training, radio and cyber training.  Despite the damp weather the cadets embraced their activities and were keen to…

159 Regiment RLC take part in sub aqua expedition

Ten Army Reservists from 159 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps swapped their usual land-based activities for sub-aqua training in Gibraltar.  As well as using the opportunity to develop their scuba diving qualifications, they were also able to employ their conservation skills and explore the local culture.  Lance Corporal Duke shared their expedition progress in their account below… ————— Ten members of 159 Regiment Royal…

HMS FORWARD Unit Warrant Officer retires after over 30 years in service

Steve Bland, the Unit Warrant Officer from HMS FORWARD has hung up his hat after over 30 years in the Royal Navy and Royal Naval Reserve. After joining  in 1977, a young 17 year old Steve Bland started his training to become a Marine Engineering Artificer at HMS FISGARD. After completing his apprenticeship, he served on a number of ships including HMS ACHILLES,…