In Focus: Use of the Reserve Forces during the Olympics This article is featured in the latest In Focus.
Ian Barnett is MD at ITB Fabrication, a sheet metal fabrication company that works mainly in the pharmaceutical and railway industries. Ian’s experience of employing a Reservist was so positive that he has since decided to take on another. ITB Fabrication has a staff of 12.
Maturity beyond his years
I hired Matthew Terry more than ten years ago. He was 16 when he joined the company and was in his early twenties when he joined the Reserves. He’s now 30 and I have to say that his experiences in theatre have given him skills that no other working environment could. Matthew’s good at working in a team and is very proactive. If someone’s struggling on the shop floor he will always be there, giving a helping hand. Now he’s had a few people working under him he’s passed on his skills, so that’s positive. He’s a very good member of the team with a wide range of skills.”
The benefits of skills gained
As a small team mobilisation can have an impact, however, Ian believes that the advantages of the skills Matthew brought back to the business outweighed any challenges.
It’s a demanding business, but even so, I would never think of objecting to Matthew’s mobilisation. Yes, we miss his input when he’s away, but the skills he brings back with him make up for it tenfold. Matthew hasn’t just gained in maturity, he’s also developed his leadership skills.
My positive experience of hiring Matthew led me to recruit another Reservist. Adam has the same has the same methodical way of working as Matthew. He’s loyal and reliable and is hugely committed to every task he undertakes.”
A credit to the Armed Forces and to us
Matthew and Adam should be very proud of what they’ve accomplished. They’re a credit to our Armed Forces. I’d definitely employ more Reservists.”