Message to Providers
Issue 541 24th October 2011
Second Careers for Injured Members of the Armed Forces
Following is a message from former AELP Chairman, Hugh Pitman OBE:
As a serving officer in the Armed Forces for many years followed by a career in developing work-based learning, I am very pleased to be launching this Business Education Trust (BET) project: www.businesseducationtrust.com
The purpose of the project is to help wounded, injured and sick members of the Armed Forces towards their second career; through the kindness and good offices of work-based learning providers, who have already been marvellously pro-active and generous in offering places on their Apprenticeship and Work Choice contracts and other assistance. As a result we already have over 50 Providers involved, and a best estimate of upwards of 200 places covering all parts of the United Kingdom and the large majority of occupational areas.
The website is now available through the BET to the 13 military Personnel Recovery Units (PRUs) and their Personnel Recovery Officers (PROs); who are located with the Regional Brigades throughout the United Kingdom. This means that if, for example, a PRO based in York is looking for a Retail Apprenticeship in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, he can – through the BET – access a nominated member of a provider’s staff who will arrange an interview for the candidate with an employer.
The numbers at present are very small: we are expecting under 100 for the whole country in the first instance. We are advised that this number will grow as more injured Servicemen leave the Armed Forces and are sufficiently healed to join the civilian labour market. The Army Recovery Capability (ARC) Headquarters of the 13 PRUs is expecting no more than 1,000 people a year; so, while one badly injured Serviceman is one too many, the numbers are minute when spread geographically and functionally.
We are asking providers to make between 2 and 10 places on their Apprenticeship or Work Choice programmes available. If we can get these valiant young people into suitable jobs, it will make the whole difference to their future lives and to the lives of their families. They have a lot to offer an employer.
I would like to thank those work-based learning providers who have already agreed to help with this project and to encourage others of you to take part. If you feel you can help, please email me at hughpitman@businesseducationtrust.com, telephone 01666 824421 or mobile 07713 189006
