• Home
  • Projects
  • AmeyBriggs’ Support for Military Personnel

Ministry of Defence AmeyBriggs’ Support for Military Personnel

Two men working in an engineering room
Speak to an expert about your challenge
Get in touch

Related markets and services

As part of AmeyBriggs, a joint venture between Amey and Briggs Equipment UK Limited, we work collaboratively with clients, supply chain partners, and local communities to create meaningful employment opportunities and support extensive skill development programmes.

At a glance

  • AmeyBriggs maintains and manages the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) fleet of construction and material handling equipment.
  • Since 2022, AmeyBriggs has recruited and trained ex-forces and industry-competent personnel.
  • The workforce includes ex-Regular Army personnel, Reservists, and civilians, contributing to WFA efforts.
  • AmeyBriggs employs three supervisors, 32 plant operators and 11 plant vehicle maintainers, with plans for expansion.
  • 12-month fixed term contracts expedite the recruitment process for ex-forces personnel to mitigate challenges within the Army recruiting process.

Key metrics

  • 170

    people recruited from armed forces and the broader military community

  • 46

    supervisors, plant operators and vehicle maintainers employed

  • 80%

    increase in ex-forces personnel recruitment year-on-year

Our long-standing support for the military community is particularly noteworthy, as it is evident in our backing of forces-friendly initiatives, especially those focused on the training and recruitment of ex-forces personnel.

The Whole Force Approach (WFA) is an innovative strategy that integrates full-time military personnel with reservists, civil servants, and defence industry contractors. Instead of relying solely on full-time military personnel, the WFA recognises the diverse skillsets and capabilities each group brings to the table.

This approach aims to enhance overall resilience and efficiency, thereby optimising resources and overcoming challenges effectively. For personnel transferring directly from the Regular or Reserve Forces, the average duration from recruitment to deployment for ex-forces is between one to two months, ensuring a swift and efficient transition into their new roles.

Our strategic recruitment effort ensures that the unique skills and experiences of former military members are effectively integrated.

What was the challenge?

To support the Whole Force Approach (WFA), AmeyBriggs actively recruits ex-forces and industry-competent personnel, providing opportunities for former military personnel to contribute to the WFA efforts and fostering skilled pipelines for military personnel transitioning out of service. This strategic recruitment effort ensures that the unique skills and experiences of former military members are effectively integrated into their workforce, enhancing overall operational capabilities.

Since 2022, AmeyBriggs has employed 30 plant operators and five plant vehicle maintainers, with plans to increase this number year-on-year. These employees are at varying stages of the Army recruitment process, reflecting a diverse workforce made up of ex-Regular Army personnel, Reservists seeking a more permanent commitment, and civilians who are new to the military. This blend of backgrounds and experiences contributes to a robust and dynamic workforce capable of meeting the varied demands of their projects.

While AmeyBriggs is keen to support the WFA, navigating the complexities of the Army recruitment process can take well over a year. To address this challenge and expedite the integration of skilled personnel, AmeyBriggs has implemented 12-month fixed-term contracts. These contracts support the recruitment pipeline by providing a structured and efficient process for bringing new employees on board, ultimately helping to streamline the transition from military to civilian employment.

Two construction vehicles on site
Since 2022, AmeyBriggs has employed 30 plant operators and five plant vehicle maintainers, with plans to increase this number year-on-year.

How did Amey approach the problem?

AmeyBriggs, along with armed forces charities and supply chain partners take a comprehensive approach to training and skill development, ensuring that all new recruits receive the necessary training to develop in their roles. 

Our plant operators undertake training accredited by the National Plant Operator Recognition Scheme, specialising in equipment such as dump trucks, light and medium wheeled tractors, medium crawler excavators, and medium crawler tractors. Meanwhile, our maintainers receive in-depth training to ensure the upkeep and on-site support of a diverse range of MITER equipment. 

To ensure that the skills and training provided meet industry standards, AmeyBriggs has established a partnership with Weston College Construction Training Centre to develop a specialised Plant Operations training programme. This programme is designed to cater to individuals from both military and non-military backgrounds, offering training in plant operations.

Weston College has also delivered a Sector Based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) in collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This programme aims to support job seekers in acquiring new skills and transitioning into new career paths. Notably, through the DWP SWAP, five individuals have been identified and recruited by AmeyBriggs. These individuals undertake HGV Cat C+CE training, before progressing to the plant operations training programme.

In addition to committing to the WFA and delivering training through Weston College, AmeyBriggs also works alongside the Forces Transition Group, Forces Families Jobs, and the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) to provide employment opportunities to service leavers.

We also collaborate closely with BuildForce, an industry-led programme connecting veterans and service leavers to opportunities in the construction sector. Our network of mentors are fully trained to provide guidance, support, and assistance with CV writing, mock interviews, and work experience placements, with the goal of offering suitable employment positions within Amey and our extensive supply chain.

In the last three years, these partnerships have resulted in the successful recruitment of 170 individuals from the armed forces and the broader military community.

There has been an 80% increase in ex-forces personnel recruitment year-on-year during WFA recruitment phase.

What was the outcome?

AmeyBriggs has achieved significant outcomes through its project aimed at supporting ex-armed forces personnel into employment. Through the Whole Force Approach (WFA), personnel have been effectively deployed to various strategic assignments, including refurbishment projects in Belize; support for multinational exercises in Germany and Cyprus; and deployed on active operations. These deployments highlight the strategic integration of ex-forces personnel into critical roles.

AmeyBriggs has actively participated in events like careers fairs and formed partnerships with forces charities, creating employment opportunities and providing support services to service leavers, veterans, and military families. This engagement demonstrates their commitment to facilitating the transition from military to civilian life.

In terms of professional development, AmeyBriggs has sponsored and participated in initiatives such as the Military Plant Foreman Symposium and organised visits to the National Memorial Arboretum. These efforts aim to enhance the professional growth of ex-forces personnel.

Looking forward, AmeyBriggs plans to be involved in providing a plant operator course at the new Building Heroes Academy in Catterick, further enhancing skills and opportunities for ex-armed forces personnel. They are continuously seeking opportunities and initiatives to support ex-forces personnel through employment, training programs, and strategic partnerships. Notably, there has been an 80% increase in ex-forces personnel recruitment year-on-year during the WFA recruitment phase, and at a steady state, they aim to achieve a regular turnover of about five per year.

Army personnel in front of a tank
AmeyBriggs has achieved significant outcomes through its project aimed at supporting ex-armed forces personnel into employment.

Testimonials

24 Commando Regiment

“(The WFA Maintainer) has been absolutely brilliant. It took me a week to even realise he was a reservist. He has all the attributes of a fantastic JNCO and represented your Unit [Company] and cap badge with diligence and professionalism. I would deploy with him again in a heartbeat and if these deployments become the norm then I would hope to see him again in the future. His contribution to the success of this trip was huge. Thank you.”

591 Field Squadron, 71 Engineer Regiment RE 

“Thanks for the provision of two professional, diligent and motivated personnel to support this Army Reserve Camp. It has been valuable to explore the implementation of this recent Whole Force Approach addition to Project MITER capability on the Amey Briggs portal. 

Speak to an expert about your challenge.