If you are looking for an exciting career in the Reserve Forces and would like to learn a trade that would be of considerable benefit to both you and any future employer that you may work for, this article may be of interest to you. There are many opportunities to learn very worthwhile trades and skills with: The Royal Navy, Army or Royal Air Force Reserves. This article looks at the Army offering in Scotland.
The Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) Reserve 106 Battalion is based in Grangemouth. The unit’s role is to recover, repair and maintain the Army’s equipment so that it can meet the challenges of operations all over the World. The Battalion works with the Regular Army, supporting operations abroad and exercises as far afield as Kenya, Gibraltar, Canada and in the UK.
Most reservists have civilian jobs and therefore this has an impact on employers, so we took a bit of time to examine the issue and find out what motivated two local reservists to join their local unit and how they feel it has helped them in their civilian life.
Ainslie Cook is a student from Springburn, Glasgow studying Nursing at Stirling University. She joined the Army Reserve in 2014 and is now a Level 2 Mechanic with 106 Bn REME.
What attracted you to join the Reserve Forces?
I was a member of the Air Cadets at school and it seemed the natural progression to join the Army Reserves.
What skills and experiences have you developed since being a member of the Reserves?
I have gained skills in engineering, leadership and teamwork.
What has been the most interesting thing that you have done with the Reserves so far?
Completing my Class 3 Vehicle Mechanic Course at Bordon in January 2015.
Do you feel what you have learned in the reserves has benefited your civilian career, and if so how?
I have become more confident whilst with the reserves having learned new skills that have helped me a lot whilst studying at University.
Has life as a reservist lived up to your expectations of what you thought it would be like?
Yes it has exceeded my expectations, it’s the best decision that I made.
Scott Law is unemployed in civilian life and a Vehicle Mechanic in the Reserves.
What attracted you to join the Reserve Forces?
I was studying at college and had very little prospects of work after qualifying to be a welder and wanted to be a Vehicle Mechanic.
What skills and experiences have you developed since being a member of the Reserve?
I’ve gained skills in engineering and completed my class 3 Vehicle Mechanic Course. I have also matured since joining and developed better people skills, which has helped improve my employability.
What has been the most interesting thing that you have done with the Reserves so far?
Attending Summer Challenge 2012 and passing out, also attending my first ever battle tour of Normandy.
Do you feel what you have learned in the reserves has benefited your civilian career, and if so how?
Although I am unemployed I have found that the skills I have learned whilst attending the Reserve’s has put me in a better position with improved life skills.
Has life as a reservist lived up to your expectations of what you thought it would be like?
Definitely. The reserves has exceeded my expectations and it is better than I thought it would be. I have been able to do lots of different activities there is always something new to learn.
Employers can benefit greatly from employing a member of the reserve forces. Reservists at all ranks gain skills from the military in leadership and teamwork as well as developing their self-confidence, motivation and problem-solving abilities to name but a few.
This training can be worth up to £22,000 to employers in terms of the transferrable skills they will receive from employing a reservist. Reservists are also often trained first-aiders and drivers, which can save money for employers in their training budgets.
The Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) Reserve presents an excellent opportunity for vocationally qualified engineers. Such people can enter the organisation with genuine credibility from Day 1, and will be able to use their existing skills to good effect in a challenging and exciting environment. Opportunities for vocationally qualified tradespeople in the REME are far-reaching, extending far beyond their trade. International operations and exercises, military training, sport and outdoor pursuits, together with a real sense of purpose and camaraderie await them.
There are opportunities available to men and women from all walks of life to learn new skills, make friends and try a range of activities, all whilst getting paid. We employ metalsmiths, armourers, vehicle mechanics/electricians and recovery mechanics. We’re also looking for military instructors, chefs, drivers, radio operators and clerks. There are plenty of opportunities for sport, adventurous training and courses. We pride ourselves on our commitment to developing the potential of all of our members, both professionally and personally.
Service in the REME Reserve is of benefit to employers as well as employees, and the Ministry of Defence provides a new enhanced support package for the employers of reservists. Further information about this is available on the SaBRE (Supporting Britain’s Reservists and Employers) website www.sabre.mod.uk and you can also find contact details for one of their local representatives if you wish to chat to someone in person.
106 Bn REME has companies across Scotland in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Grangemouth and they are recruiting now. For further information please contact their team on 0131 310 5800
