From the British Army to an Arborist with Avove!
At our recent Catterick Careers Fair we had the pleasure of interviewing Veteran Brian Coull who was on the Avove stand. Avove were attending as part of the Highground land-based sector career roadshow team. Brian was at the event this time as an exhibitor after attending in 2023 as a jobseeker.
Just nine months ago, Brian was on the other side of the table attending this event as a Service-Leaver. On his way around the event, he noticed the Arborist Harness on the Avove Utilities stand. Brian expressed an interest in climbing, so he thought why not make a living out of it. He went on to train for nine months and is now a fully employed Arborist in Avove's Vegetation Management Team.
It was very evident when interviewing Brian how much he loves his job.
Brian was also really focused on being able to offer his lived experience to other attendees and Service-Leavers at our Catterick Careers Fair.
We asked Brian how he initially found out about BFRS?
Brian told us "I found out about BFRS during my resettlement journey when I visited my Resettlement Officer".
We asked him, what he thought of BFRS and the services we provide?
He stated "The BFRS services are really good as it allowed me to build a good network with exhibitors, meet with potential employers and explore a diverse array of training in which you can undertake to enhance a future career".
We also asked Brian, why he attended the BFRS event as an exhibitor?
He replied, "Because of my background in the Armed Forces, I thought I would make a good representative on the stand as I have been through the transition myself".
"It was a good outcome, meeting a number of people from the Armed Forces and gauging what they were after in a future career. Also being able to pass on my own experience of resettlement and hopefully signposting attendees in the right direction for them".
Brian recommended the following for those interested in pursuing a career with Avove.
"The nine month training programme to become an Arborist involves all training, kit and equipment
fully funded, whilst also gaining on the job experience within a team".
We asked Brian what advice he would give to the AFC considering a career in the land about their transition journey.
Brian said, "Take your time to
think about what career path you want to follow, don’t choose random courses,
take your time to translate your transferrable skills. Practice interview
skills, if you go for an interview but don’t get the job reply back thanking
them for the opportunity and ask if there is anything that you could improve
on, do your research on potential employers and always ask the right question
such as future training, career development and future progression".
Brian concluded in saying "BFRS event's are a great experience, also throughout their services you get updates on jobs, courses and career advice that are invaluable".
About Highground
BFRS are proud to continue to work alongside land based
charity Highground.
HighGround helps Service Leavers, Reservists and Veterans to
work out what military skills and experience they have, how they will map into
the land-based sector and how to access the many opportunities it offers for
employment and self-employment.
Highground offer virtual rural weeks that allow attendee’s an
opportunity to start developing an understanding of Land-Based Sector
employment and self-employment opportunities. To understand career paths in
particular sectors, and entry level requirements such as tickets required for
chainsaw or telehandler operation, for example. And of course, the opportunity
to start networking.
Virtual Rural Week Courses:
-
VRW21 – Mon 20 May to 22 May
- VRW22 – Mon 9 Sept to 11 Sept
- VRW23 – Mon 18 Nov to 20Nov
Rural Weeks Course:
About Avove
Avove is a leading utilities infrastructure business with a long, rich history and presence within the sector. Avove was formed in April 2022 from the sale of the utilities division of the infrastructure services company, Amey.The establishment of Avove as an independent business creates a unique platform to leverage compelling market opportunities and develop a strategic proposition based on growth.By continually building on our expertise and working as true partners with our customers, we deliver cutting-edge and sustainable infrastructure solutions.
Avove are committed to building a flexible, inclusive and
supportive place to work where you’ll be rewarded, invested in and given the
opportunity to develop your career.
As members of the Armed Forces covenant Avove are proud to
pledge their support to our Armed Forces community.
General Counsel and Executive Sponsor for Armed Forces at
Avove, David Holmes said; "This award demonstrates that Armed Forces community
engagement is a business priority. We know this community brings a rich source
of talent across this industry, and I have seen first-hand the contributions
our military colleagues and their families bring to the business. I was
honoured to pick the Silver Award up on behalf of Avove, and we have our sights
firmly fixed on working towards the Gold Award"
Avove provide full training and continuous development for
every colleague. You will have the opportunity to get involved in a variety of
projects across the business and work with people who care about delivering
great performance. Avove are looking to attract new talent into their
sector and want to speak to candidates from all backgrounds and levels of
experience, including school leavers, trainees, graduates, skilled workers,
armed forces leavers and returners looking to come back into the workplace.
Whatever journey you are on in your career, Avove would
welcome an informal career conversation with you, to explore your next move.
Contact careers@avove.co.uk
and take the first step to advancing your career with Avove.
Find out more about Highground and the courses they offer here: Highround Virtual Stand