We spoke with Tom Kennedy, Senior Rail Supervisor during Armed Forces Week, to find out how he served his country in the Armed Forces and the challenges transitioning into civilian life.
Hello Tom Kennedy, What Was Your Role Within The Armed Forces?
“I was a Lance Corporal Chef for 10 years during my time with the Armed Forces, I was stationed in the Officers Mess and had the privilege of being the private Chef for the barracks Colonel, Regimental Sergeant Major and Technical Quarter Master. During my time I learned a lot of essential skills that helped me effectively manage my team and also sharpened my organisational skills, which later proved very valuable with my rail career”.
What Are The Benefits of Joining The Reservists or Armed Forces?
“The Reservists are great for people who want to get a sample of what Army life is like, I know quite a few people who started off as a Reserve and then committed to have a successful career with the Armed Forces. I joined the Army when I was 18 years old to learn new skills and travel the world, so for me it was certainly more then just a job, it was my life”.
Why Is It Important For The Businesses Community To Demonstrate Support For The British Armed Forces?
“I didn’t go into the rail sector straight after leaving the Army, I first went into the Automobile Industry with Jaguar Land Rover, I started out as a welder and then moved to another car company where I created paint jigs for different automobile pieces. I knew someone who worked weekends for SkyBlue and wanted to get into the rail sector from his experiences and recommendations, I quickly got skilled up and also started weekends whilst still working during the week, I shortly got offered a full-time role with SkyBlue and the rest is history”.
How Has RSSI Supported You In Your Journey?
“I started at RSSI, when they were known as Rail Safety Solutions, around 8 years ago. I was brought in to help, the then small company with my rail experience and managerial skills, as they started to expand and grow from just a Track Warning Systems company with limited contingent labour capabilities. The company has supported me with my expansion and growth as a Senior Rail Supervisor by giving me the training and opportunities I need to be the best on track, and the best in front of clients”.
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/
