Monday 27 June 2022

Centrica seeks to recruit ex-forces personnel to assist drive to net zero

Centrica is seeking to recruit as many as 500 former soldiers, sailors and airforce personnel into engineering roles by 2023 to assist in the transition to net zero.

They will be given jobs across British Gas and the wider group, with the first intake of 12 ex-forces trainee gas engineers having already begun their 42-week training.

Centrica has asked Matero, led by former Army Colonel Stuart Tootal, to help design and build a programme that attracts service leavers, with a keen interest to give women the roles.

Veterans Minister Leo Docherty MP said: “This is a fantastic initiative that will provide support to our service leavers and veterans by helping them find employment once they leave the military.

“I am delighted with the opportunity this provides to those who have served our nation’s military and recognises that the military gives you skills for life.”

One of the latest recruitee is Alex Smith, 33, from Wolverhampton, a former sniper with the 2 Rifles based in Northern Ireland.

He was medically discharged in 2013 after being involved in two IED explosions during tours of Afghanistan, which damaged his hearing and eyesight.

After suffering from PTSD, he sees the programme as his route back to normality, stating: “I have always wanted a trade and this offer was amazing. It’s a skill to be proud of which will give me stability in my working life to provide for my family and it opens up lot of routes for progression into green energy.”

The latest recruitment drive comes as Centrica's research has found “more Brits than ever” are seeking out a second career, with 50% of trainees and apprentices now over the age of 25.

Greg McKenna, Managing Director of Centrica Business Solutions added: “Supporting our customers to get to net zero is at the forefront of our plans but we need the skilled workforce to deliver at the scale and pace necessary.

“The market for recruiting ex-forces has become increasingly competitive but we plan to use our extensive heritage of delivering world-class training alongside dedicated support to bring on board the talent required to deliver on our net zero plans.”

Centrica will work with military charities that specialise in supporting the transition to life after service as well as service and regimental associations and ex-forces networks.