BAE Systems Charity Challenge Partner 2010-11
The Soldiers’ Charity were delighted to win the staff vote to become the 2010-11 Charity Challenge Partner for the Samlesbury and Warton sites.
A high percentage of soldiers are recruited from the North West of England and through choosing to support a cause close to the hearts of many employees, BAE Systems have been able to expand their local community reach.
Since 2010, employees have demonstrated their huge commitment to the partnership and have been working with the charity to reach their ambitious £400,000 target and transform the lives of more than 588 soldiers and their families in the North West. Employees have also donated their time by volunteering to support soldiers, former soldiers and their families in the North West of England.
Education and vocational bursaries
For many injured soldiers leaving the Army, job prospects are limited; often they do not have the qualifications needed to gain full time employment in their chosen careers.
With a steady flow of soldiers required to leave the Army every year, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity has identified a need to provide these individuals with the opportunity to receive formal academic or vocational training.
In October 2010 BAE Systems came on board to support The Soldiers’ Charity Education and Bursary scheme and has generously pledged £150,000 over 3 years. This financial commitment will enable more than 30 soldiers to gain the skills they need to gain employment in their desired careers outside the Army. Funding will range from university degrees, fork lift driving qualifications to IT training courses.
Alison Miller, Company Secretariat Manager at BAE Systems said:
“BAE Systems is proud to provide continuing support to soldiers building careers outside the Army, by working in partnership with ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
Our partnership with The Soldiers’ Charity enables us to meet two of our key corporate responsibility objectives; supporting the Armed forces and facilitating better access to education. Through this partnership, BAE Systems will work to ensure soldiers are equipped with the skills needed to embark on a successful and rewarding career outside of the Army”.