Training plays a huge part in every Reservist’s career, whether it’s in the classroom, on exercise or at the two-week ‘annual camp’ (the continuous training session Reservists attend each year). Employers benefit directly as their Reservist employee will constantly be learning new skills and acquiring new abilities which can be put to good use in the workplace.
Research by SaBRE and endorsed by the Chartered Management Institute, found that an employer would have to purchase over £8,000 of commercial civilian training to provide the same amount of development that an average Reservist’s military service provides in a year. This research relates only to the skills that are relevant to the civilian workplace.
Experience gained from an average period of mobilisation, including pre-deployment training, is worth around £8,300 for a Private, £14,600 for a Sergeant and £18,400 for an Officer.
Substantial gains for employers
The Reserve Forces provide a rich variety of training courses. Some training is compulsory for all service men and women, regardless of rank, other training is undertaken in order to help them acquire specific trade skills, qualifications or promotion. But whatever its main focus, it always requires them to demonstrate a range of abilities both intellectual and physical. It also helps them acquire a variety of qualities that every employer seeks in their employees: commitment, respect, integrity and discipline.
Course guides to help explain the value of training
SaBRE has produced a series of short guides for employers that describe what some of the most popular courses entail and how it benefit civilian employers.
They also provide figures for how much the training (the part which is useful in a civilian job) would cost if the employer had to purchase equivalent training
There are currently 17 guides on various TA Courses, 16 for the RAuxAF and 2 for Royal Naval Reserves. The number of course guides for Royal Naval Reserves will be expanded in the near future. See the links below to access the course guides available: