Siemens UK has today pledged its support for Britain’s servicemen and women by signing the Armed Forces Covenant alongside Mark Lancaster MP, Minister for Defence Veterans, Reserves and Personnel. The Armed Forces Covenant, which sets out a commitment to support service leavers in finding employment opportunities, was signed by Phil Heathcote, Sales Director for Siemens Rail Systems, and Mark Lancaster MP during a transport sector insights event for ex-military personnel held at the National Training Academy for Rail (NTAR).

The event, called ‘Step into Transport’, was hosted by Siemens in partnership with Network Rail, Transport for London, NTAR and Northern Rail to raise awareness of the opportunities within the transport sector for service leavers and the transferability of skills from the military. Ex-military personnel had the opportunity to gain a broader understanding of the transport sector, hear from service leavers who are now working in the sector, talk with industry recruiters, and learn more about the training opportunities available to them through the National Training Academy for Rail (NTAR).

‘Step into Transport’ and the signing of the military covenant form part of Siemens’ Vision 2020 strategy to engage service leavers in a pledge to bridge the skills-gap across the business and to increase ex-military hires. This is based on insight by the Department for International Trade that military personnel have highly transferable skills that are relevant to many roles within the transport sector.

Phil Heathcote, Sales Director for Siemens Rail Systems said: “We’re delighted to be signing the Armed Forces Covenant. Those who have served in the military have a specific set of skills and experiences that are not only transferable but highly valuable to the transport sector. “‘Step into Transport’ and the signing of the covenant are great examples of industry collaboration to tackle skills shortages, and demonstrate the pro-active work being done to engage with service leavers and support them in finding employment opportunities. By signing the covenant, we hope to raise the profile of Siemens as an employer of choice for ex-military personnel.”

Defence Minister Mark Lancaster added: “By signing the covenant, Siemens has joined over 1,500 organisations from across the UK in helping to make sure the Armed Forces community is treated fairly. Through initiatives, such as the Insights Day, Siemens is fulfilling its pledge to help veterans improve skills and find work. I encourage other businesses to put pen to paper and ensure that those who serve or have served, and their families, are not disadvantaged through military life.”