A former major in the British Army has secured a new job outside of the forces thanks to a partnership between two Swansea-based businesses.
The British Training Board, a company that helps former military personnel find a new career in civilian life, has formed a partnership with aluminium manufacturing and installation company, AB Glass.
The partnership has already allowed a service user of The British Training Board to secure a fulfilling new job with award-winning AB Glass, thanks to a scheme that helps to get ex-forces members in front of potential employers.
Nigel Gay from Neath has joined AB Glass as a factory manager after previously being a reservist staff officer with the rank of major for 40 years as part of the 160th Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Wales.
Adrian Rabey, chief executive officer of The British Training Board, said: “It is encouraging to see leading companies like AB Glass committing to support The British Training Board’s service leavers through our guaranteed interview scheme.
“Nigel is proof that the system works and that successfully transitioning into civilian life is possible with the support of businesses like AB Glass.
“We have partnered with various other businesses throughout the country from a variety of industries as companies recognise the advantages of the scheme, such as dramatically reducing recruitment costs.
“We are excited to see the scheme continue to grow as more businesses join us and help secure new careers for our ex-service members.”
His employment with AB Glass is a result of the company joining the guaranteed interview scheme (GIS) recently set-up by The British Training Board.
The free scheme has many benefits for businesses seeking skilled staff, while at the same time providing those leaving the forces with a foot in the door to a potential new career.
Businesses that are part of the GIS have full access to a virtual CV library of potential ex-forces candidates and employers can place free adverts for positions available at their company.
Employers can also initially have candidates join them on work experience placements, so they are confident the candidate is the right fit for the business whilst providing valuable work experience.
Alan Brayley, managing director of AB Glass, said: “We passionately believe that businesses should support the armed forces where they can. AB Glass is signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant and is a member of the Employer Recognition Scheme.
“Being a part of The British Training Board’s guaranteed interview scheme adds to our commitment to those from the forces and with Nigel joining us, the scheme has shown us the high quality of potential staff available.”
Finding work upon leaving the forces is not always straightforward. Ex-forces members often have incredible skills gained during their time in the services that are in high demand by employers, but that go unrecognised.
The British Training Board seeks to help match its ex-forces members with employers through the GIS.
The process means businesses across the UK from all sectors can gain highly skilled members of staff, while ex-forces personnel are able to start a new career in civilian life.
Nigel Gay, ex-major said: “The British Training Board has helped me to get back into the civilian workplace by converting my military specialities into civilian qualifications, which has led to this role with AB Glass.
“AB Glass is a professional and fast-growing company and all its employees are forward thinking, customer focussed and driven with a ‘can do’ attitude, which I am very used to from working in a military environment.
“I would certainly recommend The British Training Board to assist all service leavers transition successfully.”





