A Newcastle-based engineering firm has been recognised by the government for the work it does to support the armed forces community.
Pearson Engineering has received a prestigious Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence for its commitment to supporting reservists, veterans, cadet force adult volunteers and their family members.
As providers of life-saving equipment to armed forces around the world, Pearson Engineering has a long-established reputation for proactively championing those in active service and veterans. Several of the firm’s 76 employees based at the Armstrong Works on Scotswood Road are themselves veterans and Pearson Engineering actively promotes the value of hiring former armed forces personnel to other employers.
One of the ways in which Pearson Engineering supports the military is through the Armed Forces Covenant, which is a commitment to ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly and with respect. Pearson Engineering is a signatory of the covenant and recently hosted an awareness raising event for other local employers which saw another seven firms make similar commitments.
The firm also supports its employee reservists to undertake military training with full pay, hosts study days for local army units, provides financial and in-kind support to British military charities and provides skills development activities for veterans and various recruitment initiatives.
Craig Priday, managing director at Pearson Engineering said: “I’m extremely pleased and proud that Pearson Engineering has been chosen to receive this important award. The Armed Forces Covenant initiative has been a great way for the company to demonstrate our long-term commitment to the armed forces.”
David Eccles, assistant North East employer engagement director for the Ministry of Defence said: “We are very pleased that Pearson Engineering has been recognised by being awarded the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award – the scheme’s highest accolade.
“The Defence ERS encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same and Pearson Engineering has certainly demonstrated that.
“For the two years I have been personally associated with the firm, it has shown a clear understanding of what there is to gain in employing military veterans and it has been exceptionally supportive to employees who are members of the Reserve Forces.
“The ERS encompasses Bronze, Silver and Gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to support to Defence and the Armed Forces community, and align their values within the Armed Forces Covenant.
Pearson Engineering HR manager, Elizabeth Hubbuck, added: “We were excited to be told of our Gold Award in this scheme as it recognises the hard work of the company and our employees in actively promoting Pearson Engineering as a great place for defence people to work.
“We are committed to supporting the community that we serve and we are glad to be able to actively promote skills and opportunities for reservists, veterans, volunteers and their partners. They bring a rich and diverse experience to industry and it is important that we repay that. I know that this special accolade will further inspire us to advocate on behalf of the MoD’s Employer’s Recognition Scheme.”
Established in 1985, Pearson Engineering is part of The Reece Group. It is a world leader in the design and manufacture of equipment involved in vehicle protection, obstacle, mine and IED clearance and gap crossing
