Network Rail creates new Armed Forces employee network
Category: Recruitment
Publish date: 29/11/2022
It’s been a busy year for Network Rail; the rail infrastructure company who successfully launched a new staff association for colleagues who come from the Armed Forces community earlier this year.
Warren Fellows, HR Business Partner and ex Royal Engineer, identified the need for the new network earlier this year. Warren said:
“Whilst we work hard to recruit those coming from the Armed Forces, internally we didn’t really offer much. So I’m really proud that I’ve been able to launch this network and that Network Rail were fully onboard and supportive of allowing me to create a recognised staff association. We’ll be working with the Career Transition Partnership to welcome even more Service leavers into Network Rail.”
The network aims to showcase Network Rail as an employer of choice and work with the Career Transition Partnership to attract military leavers into our industry. We offer a wide and diverse range of roles; from signallers, mobile operations managers, track engineers and project managers.
Many individuals coming from a military background really don’t recognise the transferable skills they bring to an organisation like Network Rail. Which is why our Armed Forces Champions will be working with the CTP to host virtual and in-person career events that highlight the suitability of military personnel. Plus, as our new association grows, we’ll also be able to provide mentors to colleagues who join from the military to help them transition into civilian life, as well as a network of peer support and colleagues who are trained as mental health first aiders.
Lewis Matthews – Workforce Health, Safety and Environmental Advisor, Kent route, says:
“I wish something like this was around when I was leaving the Royal Engineers and networking my way into the business. Veterans understand Service leavers better than anyone, which is why having them support each other and others into Network Rail is a win-win situation for all involved!”
To further demonstrate our commitment to supporting our Armed Forces community, Network Rail is honoured to have had its gold standard renewed this summer. We are extremely proud that the Ministry of Defence and Defence Relationship Management recognised our efforts, and we remain fully committed to honouring our pledges.
To celebrate the reaccreditation, we held an event at the Union Jack Club in London where we were joined by our Chairman, Sir Peter Hendy who was presented the certificate by Major General Eldon Miller MBE (late RE).
Network Rail owns, operates, and develops Britain’s railway infrastructure. We exist to get people and goods to where they need to be and support our country’s growth by running a safe, reliable, and efficient railway that serves our customers and communities. You can find out more about us by clicking here, but if you’re interested in driving or maintaining trains, please contact your local train company or visit the Rail Delivery Group website.