Six companies have completed a three day leadership and management training programme, aimed to give them an insight into the role of being a reservist…
Exercise Martello Stretch, that took place from Thursday 5 May to Saturday 7 May, was an inter-company competition designed to test the employers’ fitness and problem solving skills, and for them to experience the many benefits that can accrue from reserve service.
During the event, which was organised by the Army’s 170 (Infrastructure Support) Engineer Group, participants took part in a variety of activities such as using the indoor range, command tasks involving obstacles and moving equipment, and a leadership task that saw the teams construct a tent.
This industry development event was primarily aimed at graduates and junior managers who work in the field of engineering, ideally with no previous military experience.
During the three-day programme, participants learnt how the Army Reserve develops leadership and management skills through the routine training activities, as well as learning more about how 170 Engineer Group operates both in training and on operations.
Captain Terry Gillard, from 170 Engineer Group, organised the event. He said: “Each employer participating in the event already works in the engineering and utilities industry, so we hope that by building strong relationships with our industry partners we can establish a pathway that could have mutual benefits for all parties.
“As a unit we are at the forefront of infrastructure delivery on operations so it is important that our regular and reserve soldiers have a solid knowledge of infrastructure engineering, design and construction in order for us to continue to deliver projects as needed. Working with our industry partners during events such as this helps us to develop our relationship and share how our pooled knowledge could have mutual benefits.”
Alan Cliffe, Associate Director at WYG, attended the event. He said: “This event is the perfect example of what can be achieved with military and civil collaboration and exchange. Our participants have immediately grasped that there is a lot to be learnt in terms of skills from the military. The team have been challenged and tested and really liked it.”
David Dunbar, Operational Director at RPS in Newark, also attended the event. He said: “I thought it would be interesting for my colleagues to see what activities were on offer and how these skills could be used in the workplace. We had to shortlist colleagues to take part as the event sounded so appealing to people.
“RPS Newark has benefited from employing ex-service personnel previously, we support our reservist employees and want to continue supporting the Armed Forces Community in any which way we can.”
170 Engineer Group is recruiting to find out more contact The Recruiting, Retention and Mentoring Team on 0115 957 2170 or email170engr-ar-recruiting@mod.uk