The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) has signed the Armed Forces Covenant in a ceremony held at Blighmont Reserve Centre in Southampton, marking a new commitment from the industry to those who have served.
The Covenant is a commitment from BCAS and its members to the Armed Forces Community. It acknowledges and understands that the armed forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives.
Through its Armed Forces Working Group, the Society aims to provide meaningful support to ex-military personnel as they transition to a career in civilian life. Ashley Quarterman, BCAS Executive Director explained:
“The compressed air industry is diverse. It requires specific technical and engineering skills to specify, commission and maintain equipment. It also offers a broad range of other career opportunities in sales and customer service, logistics and administration to name a few.
“We recognise that military experience will equip individuals with many of these skills that are in demand in our sector. Through our working group, we hope to encourage more veterans to consider a career in the compressed air industry.
“In return, we want to play our part in helping veterans as they transition into a role in civilian life, by offering fulfilling career opportunities; a transition which can be difficult for many. We are therefore encouraging all our members, and the wider compressed air community to consider the benefits that employing military personnel could bring to their business.”
BCAS has a number of members with military experience, such as RAF Veteran, James Shaw, Managing Director of JDS Compressors. He said:
“My role as a weapons technician was high intensity, and you could never predict what might happen next. We were used to reacting quickly and solving problems. I enjoyed that challenge and, in many ways, we face the same challenges in the compressed air industry. Responding quickly to avoid a compressor breakdown, analysing equipment performance and talking with customers to reach the best outcome. It requires a similar mindset.”
Royal Navy Veteran, Nigel Palmer, who is managing director of SCC Air Compressors UK Ltd. added:
“I am proud to be part of the compressed air industry and its commitment to supporting veterans in their ongoing careers. It is an industry where our skills can be used with great impact - whether it's dealing quickly with equipment breakdown, commissioning a new installation or advising customers on new ways to improve efficiency and performance.”
Ex Royal Navy Marine engineer and now National Sales Manager at Atlas Copco, Jason Pollard concluded:
“When I left the military, I found that my skills were in demand and could be put to good use in the compressed air industry. Unlike some of my fellow veterans, who have faced numerous barriers when transitioning to a civilian career, I found the compressed air industry to be very receptive to my skillset.”
To learn more about the AFC, visit https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/
