Reserve Service brings benefits to workforce development

Reserve Service brings benefits to workforce development by simon smith

Reserve service develops employees’ skills in key areas Reserve training enables Reservists to develop key skills and qualities that can be transferred directly to the workplace. These fall into three main categories: core skills, practical skills and personal skills.

Core skills such as team working, self-confidence and leadership development are highly prized by employers, and hardest for a business or organisation to train its workforce in.

Reservists also offer a wide range of practical skills, such as essential training in first aid and health and safety. Furthermore, weapons drill and parade drill encourage the development of precision, co-ordination and accuracy – useful skills for any employee using expensive machinery or technology in their civilian career.

Training for Reservists also helps in the development of key personal attributes such as organisational loyalty, reliability, resourcefulness and integrity, all of which are desirable qualities in any workforce.

In addition to these transferable skills, much of the training provided for Reservists leads to nationally recognised qualifications, such as NVQs, SCOTVEC, and City and Guilds. By integrating these qualifications into their own workforce development programmes, companies and organisations are able to save both time and money.

Flexible working is fundamental to employee development
The world of work is changing, with flexible working practices and corporate responsibility becoming increasingly important in attracting, recruiting and retaining the best staff. One way in which companies can demonstrate a more holistic approach towards the development of their workforce is by employing Reservists and supporting them during their training. Flexibility in allowing time off will not only be appreciated by the employee, but rewarded through the enhanced transferable skills gained.

By becoming an officially recognised Supportive Employer, with policies and procedures in place for managing Reservist employees, companies will send a clear, positive message to both existing and prospective employees.

Click here for information on leadership training and employing reservists

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