10 Years of Supporting the Armed Forces Community

I AM delighted that this year marks a decade since the MTA signed the Armed Forces Covenant, it’s an absolute privilege and a commitment that remains as important to me personally as it does to our association. I believe that there is no business that cannot benefit from stronger links with the Armed Forces.

As an Honorary Colonel at Yorkshire North and West Army Cadet Force, I have seen first-hand the invaluable skills, dedication, and leadership that the Armed Forces Community brings to the workplace. Since signing the Covenant in 2015, we have worked to support veterans, reservists, and forces families in manufacturing, ensuring they are not disadvantaged when transitioning to civilian careers. Over the years, we have raised more than £40,000 for forces charities, including Mission Motorsport, The Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers Charity, and the Fallen Fusiliers, and we remain committed to continuing this vital work.

Showcasing Armed Forces Charities at MACH

Beyond fundraising, our efforts have focused on practical action. We have provided free exhibition space at MACH for Armed Forces charities, ensuring their work is showcased to the wider manufacturing sector, and we have welcomed Cadet Forces to the show, helping inspire the next generation of engineers and technicians.

We have volunteered at the National Transition Event, promoting manufacturing and engineering as career paths for those leaving the Services, and we have also made real commitments within our own team, employing veterans and an adult cadet force volunteer. We are proud to have achieved Silver Award Holder status in the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme, and we are now working towards achieving Gold in 2025 a goal that reflects our deep-rooted belief in supporting those who have served.

The Reward of Supporting the Armed Forces Community

On a personal note, one of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been seeing the support from across our industry. To see an increase in the number of companies waking up to these incredible organisations that not only can we be proud of as a nation but that can benefit businesses in many ways, through cadets, reservists and people leaving the armed forces.

The commitment to integrating service leavers into manufacturing has grown significantly over the last decade, but there is always more to do. I have also taken on my own challenges along the way, completing seven Big Battlefield Bike Rides in aid of Help for Heroes, and I’m always inspired by the generosity of those who continue to contribute to these important causes.

Looking ahead, we remain dedicated advocates for the Armed Forces Community within the manufacturing sector, encouraging businesses to break down employment barriers and recognise the extraordinary skills and expertise that ex-service personnel bring. As we celebrate this milestone, we are once again supporting The Children’s Hospital Charity and Mission Motorsport, and we look forward to raising even more awareness and funding in the years to come.

James Selka is CEO of The Manufacturing Technologies Association

For more information:

www.machexhibition.com

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7298 6400