In 2020, Amey proudly strengthened its links with the Armed Forces by partnering with the Open University (OU) to support their Disabled Veterans’ Scholarship Fund (DVSF). The scheme provides education and specialist, tailored support to disabled individuals injured in or due to military service and helps them forge new careers in the civilian world.
Amey is directly supporting a disabled veteran in ‘cohort 3’ who is one of 55 students awarded a scholarship by the University. As well as obtaining a qualification, all students will benefit from the OU’s team of disability support staff dedicated to providing individual support for students with mental health or physical disabilities.
Amey aims to build on this support by offering student placements, mentoring and employment opportunities within the business and is committed to providing financial support to the student throughout their learning journey.
Around 9% of employees in Amey’s Defence contracts have a military connection and each one brings numerous skills into the business such as leadership, problem solving and communication. We recognise that leaving the Forces can be a daunting experience, with 44% of disabled veterans finding it difficult to secure employment after serving. We are keen to harness this unique pool of talent by providing insight and advice around their chosen sector.
Jhumar Johnson, Director of Vice Chancellor Office said: “Thanks to the support from Amey we have been able to offer a scholarship place to a disabled veteran in cohort 3, providing the student with the opportunity to start their studies while having the expert support of our disability and careers advisors. While funding has specifically equated to one student, Amey is involved in our whole DVSF community.”
Amey is a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and an Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award Winner. Amey’s employees and supply chain partners have raised over £300,000 for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. Amey also works closely with BuildForce, an industry led programme that aims to reduce the skills gap in the construction industry by recruiting ex-military personnel, and is partnered with Women in Defence, sponsoring their prestigious annual Women in Defence UK awards dinner 2021.