with Mike Butterwick, Altrad’s Head of Talent Acquisition
The skills shortage requires addressing by thinking out of the box and looking at new talent pools to fill the void. At Altrad, the team has been exploring innovative ways to attract new talent into the engineering construction sector that is keeping the Nation’s vital infrastructure running and building the next generation of green and sustainable energy.
“We have realised that finding and engaging with new talent pools might open new opportunities for our business. One such talent pool is those who have served in His Majesty’s Armed Forces. We believe that not only does this group already possess many of the specific skills we need, but they also represent a highly motivated and loyal workforce and we believe we can offer them rewarding and lasting second careers in our sector”, addresses the issue Mike Butterwick, Altrad’s Head of Talent Acquisition. Mike served 33 years in the British army and believes that the military mindset, years of intensive training, leadership skills and unparalleled sense of duty will be vital to help this sector deliver on our growth ambition.
Paul Ahmed spent 15 years in the Army and currently works as a painter/blaster offshore for Altrad. “During my service, I deployed across the globe and saw action in Afghanistan. I also had the privilege of training and inspiring new soldiers who were embarking on their careers. It was hugely rewarding work. But after 15 years of service it was time to leave. I now love what I do. For me, working offshore delivers the sense of purpose and the camaraderie that military service provided. I am not an engineer – I served in the Royal Artillery. I re-skilled and learnt a new trade. But it was my military background that made it all work.
In my time in the Army, I learnt resilience, problem-solving, determination, the ability to live with different people, whatever the circumstances and I developed a set of values that enable me to deliver under the most testing circumstances. Working offshore is not for everyone, but for me, I know that I am surrounded by great people and I know what I do matters. There are many more just like me who want to translate all that they have done and I believe this sector can offer them so much.”
Carly Atkinson, Talent Development Manager, was a medic for 12 years. During her service, she helped treat service personnel both in the UK and whilst deployed on operations. In Afghanistan she flew into the combat zones to extract casualties, often under fire. It was dangerous but life-changing work.
“When I decided to leave, I naturally thought that my future lay in health delivery. But a few years ago I made a change and I now deliver talent management for Altrad. I ensure that the talent that we have in our business has the ability to grow and develop. That might be through further trade qualifications, apprenticeships, learning about our business or developing leadership and analytical skills. I find real purpose in this work.”
There are multiple entry points to the engineering construction sector. It may be through an apprenticeship and to learn a new trade, it might be as a team leader on sites leading teams of other trade professionals or it might be in offices helping the organisations plan and deliver the vital work we do.
The crucial thing for employers is to look past the simple qualifications and see the huge amount of experience and the mindset that ex-military personnel bring with them.
Engaging with the ex-forces and utilising their skills can help to deliver on business objectives. It has worked for Altrad and here are 3 simple steps to get started:
- Sign the Armed Forces Covenant – this is a public commitment that shows your business wants to offer employment to this community and wants to make a difference. Your local Reserve Forces and Cadets Association can help you do that.
- Educate your hiring managers and resourcing staff and where necessary, your clients to look past the strict confines of job specifications and CVs. Think about the potential of this group. They will learn quickly and will add real value to your business for sure.
- Consider what you can put in place to get this community ready for the sector. Ex-service people often have time and funds to undertake bespoke training. The MOD’s Career Transition Partnership can provide detailed advice on this aspect of the service leaver’s journey. Consider setting up ma network internally and look out for those who are joining to make sure their landing into your business is smooth.
“We are all proud of our service and many have done some extraordinary things. When we step away, we want to make sure we get it right, that we can continue to live a life of purpose, can have the balance we want and be renumerated appropriately. I believe this sector offers all of those things and for many leaving the forces, it will be a great match. Let’s make a difference together”, adds Mike.
