Esh Construction is encouraging regional businesses to sign up to the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) after reaping the rewards through the last 12 months.
Esh became a Gold Covenant holder in July 2023, having previously held the ERS silver award since 2021. It is driving forward its commitment to supporting ex-military personnel through a variety of initiatives including its bespoke ‘Soldiers to Site’ programme, a tailored support package for employed reservists and its work with local charities and community groups.
To celebrate Armed Forces Week, held from June 24-29, two Esh employees have pledged their commitment to the cause by joining the Army Reserves following an Army Business Challenge event at Albemarle Barracks in Newcastle.
Several Esh employees undertook the Army Business Challenge Day to enhance their problem-solving, team-building, leadership skills and mental resilience while learning about opportunities in the Army Reserves. Being partnered with staff from Nexus, Esh’s team was crowned winners on the day and afterwards trainee quantity surveyor Curtis Layfield, and trainee assistant site manager Dominic Burns were inspired to sign up as reservists.
Curtis said: “I used the challenge to learn new skills and test myself in a new environment. It taught me about the possibilities as a reservist, which was extremely insightful. I decided to sign up as it allows me to enhance various skills like communication and discipline and I’m thankful that Esh has supported my decision and personal development through its commitment to the Armed Forces.”
Dominic added: “I knew a lot of people within the reserves who ran the business day challenge and being able to talk to them as friends and get a good idea of what the reserves actually do was really enjoyable. The challenge showed me how becoming a reserve could further my experience in life and give me vital life skills no other job could offer.”
In 2023, Esh launched a ‘Soldiers to Site’ transitioning programme with the Careers Transition Partnership (CTP) which sees service leavers encounter live construction sites or office-based roles for up to five days to gauge the right career path opportunities. It also offers trade/role specific training for an additional five days for participants to experience their current military trade in a civilian environment.
“As a Gold Covenant holder, Esh is committed to setting an example for our industry, not only in supporting ex-services personnel but to also help our industry thrive,” explains HR Director Chris Watson. “We’re undergoing a skills shortage in construction, so working with the CTP we support people leaving military positions to pair them up with employment opportunities in areas they have experience or interest.”
Through the Soldiers to Site programme, Esh’s social value team sit with service leavers to understand their career interests, look at their CV, go through LinkedIn and put them in touch with as many employers as possible, as well as recruitment specialists Corepeople.
Among Esh’s ranks are employees from a range of military backgrounds. As a Royal Marine Reserve, Simon Schofield works as a technical manager for Esh’s affordable housing division. Passing the Commando course in May 2005, he is closing in on 20 years of service as a reservist and claims it wouldn’t be possible without the company’s support for military personnel. Simon added: “You learn management and leadership techniques in an environment that’s far removed from any office under induced stress and zero sleep conditions. Military training sets a default standard both personally and professionally and you build upwards from there in your work and life.”
Esh proactively works with local charities Launchpad and Military vs Cancer by volunteering time and fundraising efforts. A number of initiatives with veterans’ charity Launchpad have included funding the creation of a sensory garden at the charity’s County Durham house, sponsoring the ‘Combatting Veterans’ Homelessness’ dinner, delivering employability sessions as well as arranging volunteer hikes for veterans. Recently Esh supported Military vs Cancer’s second annual Armed Forces rugby event at Kingston Park, by contributing communications, design and event organisation support for the day, helping to raise vital funds for the charity.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme, visit https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/
As a Gold Covenant holder, Esh is committed to setting an example for our industry, not only in supporting ex-services personnel but to also help our industry thrive. We’re undergoing a skills shortage in construction, so working with the CTP we support people leaving military positions to pair them up with employment opportunities in areas they have experience or interest.”
