This week we join individuals, businesses, and organisations across the UK showing our support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community – including our colleagues who are veterans, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers, and spouses and partners of military personnel.
Glenn Shields, a Trainee Supervisor, is a member of our Armed Forces Network. He shared his thoughts on the significance of Armed Forces Day and what it represents to him.
“As someone who has worn the uniform, Armed Forces Day holds a deep personal meaning. It’s a time to honour not only the visible service of those in uniform today but also the quiet sacrifices made behind the scenes by families and all who support. It’s a reminder that the values we carried in uniform, continue to shape the lives we lead.”
We are proud to be signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise to ensure that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. As a Gold Award, Armed Forces friendly employee, we are always looking for ways to attract new recruits from Armed Forces community, and support those who are already part of the workforce.
Which is why to mark this week, we’re pleased to share news of an upcoming initiative designed to support Armed Forces leavers as they move into civilian employment.
Our Vegetation Management Division, in partnership with SSEN and training provider Arborchase, are launching a new scheme focused on attracting, training, and employing service leavers into roles within the arboriculture and utilities sector.
Arborchase is an approved NPTC City & Guilds assessment centre and a recognised ELCAS learning provider under the MOD’s Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme. Training will be delivered by Mitchell Hicken, a highly experienced instructor, assessor, and utility arb verifier with over 20 years in the industry. Mitch embarked on his career in this industry in 2007, following a resettlement package from the army, making this initiative particularly meaningful to him.
The programme will offer structured training, industry-recognised qualifications, and clear employment opportunities within our teams.
To help raise awareness, all three partners – our team, SSEN, and Arborchase will be attending resettlement events across the UK to promote the initiative and engage directly with those leaving the Armed Forces.
More details will be shared soon as we prepare to launch.
Simon Cunningham, now working as a Utility Arb Climber and MEWP Operator, joined the business a few years ago after leaving the Armed Forces. When he came on board, he completed his training with Mitchell and Arborchase. Here’s what he had to say about the experience:
“I currently work for Network Plus as a Utility Arborist. Leaving the Armed Forces in 2022 was a daunting step, but after careful research, I decided to retrain in arboriculture. The transition was smoother than I expected, thanks to the transferable skills I developed in the military – discipline, a strong focus on safety, and leadership.
I completed my Level 3 qualification in Utility Arboriculture through Arborchase, supported by the ELCAS (Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service) scheme. This training helped me apply my military experience in a completely new, yet equally challenging, industry.
At the time, I wasn’t sure leaving the Forces was the right decision. But since starting this role, I haven’t looked back. Every day brings new challenges that are both rewarding and fulfilling, and I’m proud to be building a meaningful second career.”
