War hero praises Crawley firm’s bursary scheme
TS4U
A CRAWLEY company has donated two bursaries to former soldiers to help retrain them in the renewable energy sector.
Simon Weston OBE and Henry Smith MP were the guests of honour at the official opening of Trade Skills 4U’s new renewable training centre on Friday June 17.
Simon Weston presented the first Forgotten Heroes bursaries kick-starting the free training initiative purposely created to offer some practical help by arming service personnel with the opportunity to begin a new career in the electrical and renewable energy industries.
Among the TS4U bursary awardees is Ian Lockie, who served in the RAF in Germany and Norfolk for nine years and left the military in 1998. He still receives treatment for PTSD to this day and had found himself looking for a new direction.
“I have been a bus driver and satellite installer since leaving,” he said. “I read about the bursaries in a national newspaper and applied and have been awarded a bursary to retrain as an electrician and solar PV installer. I certainly hope to make the most of this opportunity.” TS4U is donating £100,000 worth of free training every year to those who have left the forces who are facing adversity and are struggling to find a new career path. The company’s managing director Carl Bennett, a former long-serving police officer who now works closely with the military, also appealed for more action to help former forces personnel: “I believe the government and military do not do enough to assist our ex-servicemen. Businesses and the military need to be encouraged to promote our boys and girls for their thankless service for their country. Hardworking, they have plenty of skills to offer. Help our heroes practically and financially by considering them for jobs and advertising your positions in military magazines.”
Simon Weston applauded Carl Bennett for TS4U’s training initiative, stressing that skills learnt in the military were transferable. The Falklands hero, who has thrived with a career in media since suffering horrific burns during the conflict said: “When you leave the military, they don’t do enough. Servicemen need to be retrained seven years before leaving the military to be prepared for their future. Troops can be damaged physically and mentally. I had horrific burns injuries after the Falklands but focused on the opportunities that were available to me and have been in the media now for 29 years as a result.
“Men and women all over the world have been left injured after serving their country and haven’t had the same opportunities as I so they have been left to cope on their own. There aren’t enough opportunities which is why TS4U’s bursary scheme is a brilliant scheme to be a part of.”
When only 21, Simon Weston had to be resettled after suffering his injuries. A year later he was sent to see his colonel in a wheelchair, still covered in bandages and weighing just eight stone. Asked what he wanted to do for the rest of his life, he replied: “Serve in the military and play rugby.” After due consideration, the colonel ruled he was ‘totally unemployable’.
“My regiment was a great support and helped with morale but the military did nothing and morale doesn’t pay the bills,” said Simon.
The TS4U initiative should form ‘a model for other businesses to follow’ praised Simon, adding: “Prepare for the future now and diversify as much as possible. You don’t know what may happen and what you may not have.”
The Trade Skills 4U open day was a resounding success raising awareness of not just renewable energy but also how employers can help former service personnel. The day highlighted how employers can take advantage of these very talented individuals.
TS4U has a further bursary available to be started in the next 12 months. For more information contact Chloe Bennett on 01293 554010 or email chloe@tradeskills4u.co.uk
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Saturday 19 May 2012
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