We sat down with Brian Hopkinson, Safety Critical Manager during Armed Forces Week and asked him a few questions about his story serving in the Armed Forces and what happened after he left.
Hello Brian Hopkinson, What Was Your Role Within The Armed Forces?
“I was a solider in the 1st Royal Irish Inventory Regiment from 2001-2007, touring in Iraq, Northern Ireland and Botswana. When I signed off from the military I began my transition into civil life, working for Chasetown Civil Engineering for 4 years”.
What Are The Benefits of Joining The Reservists or Armed Forces?
“For me, it was a great way to start a career that really interested and engaged me, the skills learned in the Armed Forces are extremely valuable in all kinds of careers and industries during and after your services. To go into something as hands on as the Army, and to learn those kinds of skills in a fast paced and intense environment, really helps you focus your objectives and prioritise how to tackle problems”.
Why Is It Important For The Businesses Community To Demonstrate Support For The British Armed Forces?
“Absolutely, support for the Armed Forces has come on leaps and bounds in the last few decades, with schemes helping Soldiers with funded training or to help transition from the Armed Forces to start a civilian career directly with businesses. Organisations that partner with businesses are so valuable for Ex-Forces members because they are thrown into a different world when it comes to finding a new job and career, so any help or guidance is crucial”.
How Has RSSI Supported You In Your Journey?
“In February last year I was offered the position of Rail Accounts Manager, where I have been ever since. RSS Infrastructure have provided me with an opportunity to advance my career, not only with the training provided whilst working on the tracks, but by also giving me the chance to succeed within an office environment, which is an undoubtedly different role. I am proud of my career progression and I hope to carry on advancing within the company, knowing that RSSI will support me all the way”.
As proud Armed Forces Covenant Gold Members, Auctus Management Group Ltd and its subsidiary businesses; RSS Infrastructure Ltd and INFRA Skills Ltd, strive to support the Armed Forces at every opportunity with the help of our employees, many of whom are Reservists, Cadet Force Volunteers and Veterans, that play an integral role in their respected companies. The company’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, along with other Armed Forces charities and organisations, saw them become one of the 100 businesses who were awarded an Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award in August 2019.
For more information on Armed Forces Day, please visit: www.armedforcesday.org.uk/
