Thank you to all our reservist emloyees
Did you know reservists make up approximately one sixth of our Armed Forces? Reservists give up their spare time and balance their civilian life and military career.
Telford & Wrekin Council recognises that members of the Reserve Forces make a valuable contribution to the civilian workplace.
James Taylor is a full time employee here at the council and also an Army Reservist where he is a Trooper in The Royal Yeomanry, based with D Squadron in Dawley Bank, Telford.
Ahead of Armed Forces Day this Saturday James talks about both roles and what he would say to someone considering the reserves.
James told us: “I am a full time employee at Telford & Wrekin Council where I have worked as a Customer Service Advisor with the Council’s Customer Contact Centre for the last 3 years. I am also an Army Reservist where I am Trooper in The Royal Yeomanry, based with D Squadron in Dawley Bank, Telford. We are Light Cavalry Regiment that specialises in reconnaissance.
“I have been a Reservist for just over 2 years. I joined the Reserves because it gave me the opportunity to do the role in my spare time, alongside my job at the council. As an employer the council are really supportive and provide Reservists with 2 weeks special leave each year to train with the Reserves, my other training days are done in my spare time over weekends and weeknights, so it’s really flexible.
“Anyone can become a reservist in their spare time, it’s a fantastic opportunity to challenge yourself, learn and develop new skills, meet new people, improve fitness and travel the world.
“Last year I was mobilised with the Reserves and deployed to Poland for 6 months as part of a NATO led operation. In my role I operated the heavy weapons on our armoured vehicles, it was a fantastic opportunity to be deployed to another country with the Reserves. I was able to take the time away from my job here at the council to be mobilised for the Operation, since I’ve returned home I have been able to return to my role within the Customer Contact Centre.”
The council is marking Armed Forces Day on Sunday 27 June with a family fun event in Donnington. You can find out more about this event here.
