NQA Supports The Armed Forces Community

20 June 2019

Armed Forces Day is an important opportunity for the country to show our gratitude to the brave men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from troops that are actively serving along with their families, veterans, reserves and cadets.

Armed Forces Day takes place on the last Saturday each June. In 2019, it will take place on Saturday 29 June.

Armed Forces Day celebrations begin on Monday 24 June when the Armed Forces Day flag is raised on buildings and famous landmarks around the country. Reserves Day will also provide an opportunity for the country to recognise our Reserve Forces.

Towards the end of 2018 NQA proudly accepted the Silver Award in the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme. This scheme enables employers to demonstrate their care for those looking to exit the services. For NQA this means we are able to employ, train and support those looking for a smooth transition into a new career where they can continue to utilise key skills that they learnt in the military.

NQA has been working for a number of years to show our continued support and have recruited a number of military veterans in recent years and have welcomed Wayne Hylla and Barri-Jon Graham to the team in the last few months. In addition, NQA also generously supports reservists and one of our own is about to join; Andre Allgauer (Key Accounts Manager).

We asked them for their thoughts on their transition experiences with NQA:

BARRI – JON GRAHAM – REGIONAL ASSESSOR, ISMS

Barri-Jon Graham joins our team following the completion of 20 years of service with the British Army Intelligence Corps encompassing a variety of Intelligence and Security roles which have given him a significant experience base from which to launch his next career.

He worked in many roles across numerous locations globally providing direct advice and guidance to senior military commanders and partner agencies on threat analysis, physical and information security, defence engagement opportunities in addition to being a direct line manager for aspiring young soldiers. He has also participated in several defence disaster response programmes including the 2015 Cumbrian floods.

Barri states “Leaving the military after 20+ years of service is a daunting prospect, and one that comes with a heavy burden of individual responsibility. Thankfully I encountered NQA early in that process and they have been absolutely fantastic in making the transition a seamless process.

From the outset I sought the right employer with a good culture, team ethic and who facilitated growth opportunities. It was obvious from my initial meeting and interview with NQA that I had found such a place, and they have already invested significant time, effort and energy in to making my new career a success, most notably in the training opportunities already coming my way. Nothing I have encountered so far has given me pause for thought and I am confident that over time I will fully repay the investment made by this wonderful team I have moved to.

I was also heartened by their clear commitment to veterans and their (now our) striving to achieve the highest possible award for the Employer Recognition Scheme. To have the service and sacrifice made by armed forces personnel recognised and valued by NQA meant a great deal to me personally and certainly swayed my decision to join and grow with them.”

WAYNE HYLLA – REGIONAL ASSESSOR

“After serving nearly ten years in the Royal Navy, I made the very tough choice to pursue a new career. I spent a lot of time towards the end of my career worrying about what kind of role I would find, and would the skills I learnt in the Navy be recognised. When I met the guys from NQA at a careers fair, my mind was put at ease. I feel like I have found a great new career with a fantastic company.

Even before I started with NQA, they were incredibly supportive in bringing me into their family, and even waiting for over six months for me to complete my notice period. During this time, they put me through the various training courses I needed. I have had nothing but positivity and support from NQA, which really helped to put my mind more at ease with the transition into civilian life.”

ANDRE ALLGAUER – KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER

Rifleman with 7 RIFLES A Coy – British Army Reserve

“Since my very first interview with NQA I was made aware of its support for the Armed Forces, including existing or prospective employees who are members of the community. NQA promoted being Armed Forces-friendly and open to employing Reservists which played a huge part in my decision to join the company since I was in the process of applying for the British Army Reserves.

NQA have been extremely supportive of my decision to join the British Army staying true to its pledge and it is absolutely fantastic to have the support of your employer when you decide to join the Armed Forces in your spare time. NQA even provides 2 weeks additional paid leave for the attendance of the annual training camp and line managers are flexible and aim to facilitate work rosters in order to allow attendance of all other training commitments e.g. weekly drills nights or weekend training sessions.”

Looking to the future

Our objective to recruit, train and support those from a service background is something that NQA have incorporated into its long term business strategy and is something we will continue to strive to improve. The service men and women that we have already taken on board have brought an extensive range of skills with them that work parallel to the standards and structures that NQA work so strictly to.

We are always looking for talented people to join our team, so please send your CV to careers@nqa.com.

We would like to thank those who sacrifice their time, safety, loved ones and plenty more to provide a safer world for us all!

For information on what training NQA offers please click here.