ECITB’s Silver Award Highlights Outstanding Support for the Armed Forces Community
The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to the Armed Forces community by receiving the prestigious Silver Award of the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). This achievement marks an ongoing dedication to supporting service personnel, veterans, and their families as they transition into civilian roles within the engineering construction sector.
What the Silver Award Means for the Armed Forces Community
The Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) is a voluntary pledge by organizations to provide recognition, support, and fair treatment to those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, as well as their families. The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) further formalizes this support through three tiers of awards: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each level acknowledges increasing dedication and initiatives to integrate and assist military personnel within the workforce.
The ECITB had already made its mark by signing the AFC and achieving the Bronze Award in 2023. Securing the Silver Award so soon afterward underscores the Board’s genuine and proactive approach to fostering an inclusive and accommodating work environment for current and former members of the armed forces.
ECITB’s Commitment to Ex-Forces Personnel
Chris Mann, Director of Learning and Assurance at ECITB, who brought home the Silver Award at a ceremony held at Madingley Hall in Cambridge, encapsulates the organization’s ethos perfectly. With 25 years as an aircraft engineer in the Royal Navy, Mann possesses first-hand insight into both the valuable skills military personnel bring and the challenges they face transitioning to civilian careers.
“Having spent 25 years in the Royal Navy as an aircraft engineer, I know the vital role our Armed Forces fulfil,” Mann explained. “I also understand the challenges of making the transition to a new career outside the Armed Forces and adapting to civilian life. Many of my colleagues here at the ECITB come from a similar background. That’s why we are so passionate about the Armed Forces Covenant.”
The ECITB prides itself on being a flexible employer that actively supports ex-forces personnel. It recognizes the transferable expertise gained through military service and encourages the continuous professional development of staff at every level. This commitment not only empowers veterans but also enriches the engineering construction industry with highly skilled and disciplined talent.
Strategic Initiatives to Support Armed Forces Personnel
Under the leadership of CEO Andrew Hockey, the ECITB has implemented targeted programs and partnerships to enhance career opportunities for service leavers. One key collaboration is with the Career Transition Partnership, a leading provider of resettlement services for military personnel leaving the armed forces. This partnership creates a clear pathway for veterans to enter the engineering construction sector through industry-recognized skills training.
Hockey highlighted further innovative efforts: “We have worked with the Career Transition Partnership to provide opportunities for people leaving the forces to join the engineering construction industry via industry-recognized new entrant skills pathways. Alongside this, ECITB has led the creation of a bespoke Military into Offshore Wind Reskill Pilot Programme.”
Such initiatives demonstrate ECITB’s commitment to removing barriers for ex-forces personnel and equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in emerging industries, such as offshore wind. These tailored programs not only address skills shortages in the sector but also offer veterans new, sustainable career paths.
Championing the Armed Forces Within the Organization
Beyond programs and awards, the ECITB has embedded support for the Armed Forces community into its company culture. The Board appoints an Armed Forces Champion – a position currently held by a Reservist – who actively promotes and celebrates the contributions of military and ex-forces personnel throughout the year. This role fosters awareness and inclusivity, ensuring that the Armed Forces’ presence is recognized and valued within the organization.
Andrew Hockey expressed how this internal advocacy ties into the company’s wider mission: “We are proud to have an active Armed Forces Champion within our organisation, herself a Reservist, who, throughout the year, promotes and celebrates the role and contribution military and ex-forces personnel make to the country.”
Receiving the Silver Award is not the end but a milestone for the ECITB. The organization remains dedicated to advancing its support systems and making the engineering construction industry a welcoming and rewarding field for Armed Forces personnel, past and present.
About the ECITB
The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It serves as the industry-led skills body for the engineering construction sector in Great Britain, investing over £20 million annually to develop talent and address skills gaps across craft, technical, and managerial roles.
By bridging the gap between the Armed Forces community and the engineering construction industry, the ECITB not only strengthens its workforce but also honours the service and sacrifice of UK Defence personnel.
For more information about the ECITB and its initiatives, please visit www.ecitb.org.uk.
