Armed Forces Journey

Transitioning into a new career can be daunting for most, but this may be heighted for those leaving the Armed Forces. Challenges faced when considering a new role can be difficult, however, at Stork we want to help ensure the transition is as seamless as possible. By creating opportunities for continued development of valuable skills and knowledge already obtained from the forces, we aim to be the company of choice for veterans. It’s vital we play our part in providing an array of opportunities by aligning our values with those of the Armed Forces Covenant.

Stork’s goal is to offer cross-sector training and qualifications in a variety of job roles and locations, allowing candidates to gain invaluable first-hand experience and guidance from leading industry experts. Ultimately, enabling exposure into new career possibilities.

Ray Watt from the Armed Forces Covenant presented our Bronze Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award, which cemented our ongoing support to defence and armed forces communities. We pledge to uphold the following Armed Forces Covenant key principles:

• Become an armed forces friendly organisation
• Seek to support employment of veterans, of all ages, in order to establish a tailored employment pathway for Service Leavers
• Continue to grow our working relationship with Career Transition Partnership (CTP)
• Enhance our knowledge on how employing reservist can be mutually beneficial
• Hold briefing days specifically for those leaving the armed forces

George Akers, Regional HSSEQ Director commented, “Stork is delighted to support the Armed Forces Covenant. We acknowledge the effort and sacrifices made by Armed Forces personnel, which is why we’re committed to supporting anyone leaving, by helping them transition back into civilian life and a new career path. We pride ourselves on being an armed forces friendly organisation. Through actively recruiting from the military talent pool, we ensure veterans are treated with fairness, respect, dignity and equality.”

As we progress on this journey, we appreciate there is a wealth of untapped knowledge across our current workforce. Through hosting onsite sessions, we’ve gained an in-depth understanding from those who have already gone through the transition process and the challenges they faced.

We’ve not only learnt from our colleagues, but also had the pleasure of welcoming Stuart Robinson MBE to our facility, as well as our annual Safer Together Awards, to share his story. Stuart was on his fourth tour of Afghanistan when he was injured, through rehabilitation he was introduced to wheelchair rugby and has since gone on to compete in the Invictus Games and win a gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics Games. He’s a true representation that with drive and determination there is no limit to what you can achieve.

From the above, we know that supportive relationships and work environments play an important role in being able to successfully navigate through the transition process. This is something we value highly at Stork, and continue to demonstrate on a daily basis through our core values.

Craig Wakeling, HVAC Operations Manager has been at Stork for 15 years after serving 22 years in the Royal Navy as a Marine Engineering Technician and leaving as a Chief Petty Officer. Craig explained: “The opportunity to work at Stork led me to moving from the south coast to northeast Scotland, which was a transition for my family, as well as myself. However, I quickly realised the technical and management skills that I had learned within the Armed Forces, transferred well into the energy sector.

Stork is a very supportive organisation and have given me the opportunity to improve my skills set by supporting both my personal and professional development, through a range of industry bodies and company initiatives. Being involved in complex projects and contracts, ensures every day is different and challenging.”

With a strong focus on recruiting future colleagues from the forces, we’ve taken an active role in ensuring we are visible, approachable and committed. Through attendance at CTP Career Fairs, onsite placements, continual skills development and promoting colleague’s success stories, we aim to promote all of the fantastic  opportunities available to those leaving the forces, in the sectors we operate in and within Stork.

If you’d like to learn more, please email our recruitment team: careers@stork.com.