When preparing to leave the military, one very important aspect for Service leavers to consider is learning how to fit back into today’s commercial and industrial ways of working.
This was certainly the case for Ghurka soldier Balram Rai, a Royal Engineer Turner by trade. Balram worked as a machinist in the Army, and thoroughly enjoyed his role. With the intention of gaining a similar role in the civilian job market, Balram approached his CTP Employment Consultant for South Yorkshire, Steve Bentham-Bates (pictured with Balram). He asked Steve for help in finding a suitable company to undertake valuable work experience with, in order to gain an insight into life outside of the Armed Forces prior to leaving.
Steve immediately thought of AESSEAL, a specialist in the design and manufacture of mechanical seals and support systems. Mechanical seals are used in pumps and rotating equipment to prevent liquids and gases from escaping into the environment, and the AESSEAL factory uses state of the art machining centres to produce their award winning products. HR Director of AESSEAL, James Selka arranged for Balram to come and learn how things are done in Civvy Street by offering him a 1 month work experience programme.
Balram feels quite a home at AESSEAL already, as the company are fully engaged with the MOD through both the CTP and Reserve Forces & Cadets Association. AESSEAL also employ a number of ex-Service personnel and fully support other employees who are members of the Reserve Forces.
James said: “AESSEAL is a huge supporter of the UK Armed Forces and we’re delighted to help Balram get used to working in everyday civilian life.” Although there is no guarantee of employment at the end of a civilian work attachment, Balram is gaining valuable experience and contacts, and looks set to achieve his career goal in the near future.
If you're interested in completing a civilian work attachment, get in touch with your local Employment Consultant to find out more.