Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme

Here at the Transport Training Academy, we are proud to be part of the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme. We have long been supporters of those men and women who serve our country, both current members of the Armed Forces and Service Leavers.

What is the Armed Forces Covenant?

The Armed Forces Covenant is a voluntary pledge from the nation to those who protect it. It is an acknowledgement and understanding that anybody who has or is currently serving in the armed forces should be treated with respect and fairness in the communities and the society that they serve with their lives.

The Covenant seeks to assist current and former members of the armed forces community with finding the same access to commercial and government services as any other citizen. Their remit covers a wide variety of areas, including education, family well-being, access to healthcare, having a home, financial assistance, discounted services, and more.

What is the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme?

The Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) acknowledges employers who have provided
exceptional support to the armed forces and defence community by going above and beyond their covenant pledges. The scheme recognises different levels of commitment in companies across the country, utilising a 3-tier award system of bronze, silver and gold. It provides the Ministry of Defence the opportunity to publicly thank and honour these organisations for their ongoing support.

At the Transport Training Academy, we are pleased to have been awarded the Gold Award, demonstrating our commitment and dedication to this scheme.

Our Commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant

Having promoted and supported the Armed Forces and Service Leavers for many years, we have always been a true and passionate advocate for helping those who have selflessly served our country. Some years ago, we aligned ourselves with 156 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps and in particular with 236 Supply Squadron, which is our local unit. Thanks to the synergy between our industries, we felt there was much value to be had for both of us by supporting one another in a robust partnership. Over the years, this relationship has grown and developed, leading us to also support the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for the North West of England and the Isle of Man.

Our History with the scheme

For over six years we have promoted the reserve services within our organisation by allowing them access, every month, to our learners. This involves a member of their team making a presentation to groups of learners, many of whom are unemployed. They discuss the various options available to them, along with the process of applying for and becoming a Reservist. With this support, we have been able to promote the crucial work the Reservists do and the benefit of becoming one. As a result, many of them have gone on to join both the reserves and regular service.

Our Involvement

We intend to hold quarterly Logistics Information Days for the region’s Cadets to help educate them on the careers available within the industry. These days will include interactive competitions using our plant and vehicles. Not only have we been advising military personnel on their resettlement options for over 15 years, we are also approved providers for the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELCAS)

Our instructors include veterans who understand the emotions and uncertainty that service leavers experience. To ensure that we offer the highest level of support, an internal lead from the Ministry of Defence to act as a mentor. They give invaluable advice and guidance to any service leaver that uses our organisation. Our impartial advice includes career options and choices, as well as signposting service leavers to other specialist support organisations within our network.

Appreciation and Action

We actively promote and celebrate Armed Forces and Reserves Day via all of our social media channels and the Armed Forces Day flag is prominently displayed in our centre. We feel humbled and privileged to be able to show our support to such an important date. Over 50% of our delivery team are veterans, which was a conscious decision made by the company. Important traits like loyalty, dedication, resilience, strive, flexibility, and professionalism have been instilled in these veterans throughout their Armed Forces career. We believe that employing veterans enhances and develops any team, which is why we actively promote our roles to veterans and all our vacancies are now advertised on the Forces Family Jobs portal. Many of those we employ are not just service leavers, but also former learners at the TTA, having used our services during their resettlement.
British flag on a RAF soldier

Additional Support

To further support serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families we offer a MOD discount on our courses and are also part of the Defence Discount Service. This can be used as part of a resettlement package, or a CPD plan for individuals already working in the logistics industry. We also extend our wealth of knowledge of the industry to anyone associated with the Armed Forces (including their extended families) by offering guidance and support. We source vacancies with our commercial customers, promoting the traits and skills that veterans bring to the table as employees. By aligning ourselves with like-minded companies we help provide a smooth transition from their current role into civilian life, benefiting our commercial customers and service leavers alike.

Get in Touch

For more information on our involvement with the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme, contact the Transport Training Academy today on 01942 874 686 or 0845 056 0561.

Alternatively, send us an email to info@ttacademy.com and someone from the team will be back in touch as soon as possible.