AECOM signs up to support Armed Forces and recruit more into industry

AECOM has signed the UK Armed Forces Corporate Covenant and is the first publicly listed company to make a pledge to work with its extensive supply chain in the UK to support its commitments.

Jackie Whitelaw
09 March 2015

Twitter FacebookLinkedIn

Print

Topics 

People & Careers

See more from the Careers Hub

AECOM has pledged that by 2017 it would like to see 75% of the companies in its supply chain demonstrate their support for the Armed Forces through their recruitment, charitable work or other initiatives.   

“We are an ambitious, growing company that is always looking for the best people to work on our projects across the world, and servicemen and women looking to leave the military are an untapped talent pool. As a former officer myself, I have seen first-hand the breadth of skills that our Armed Forces possess" - Steve Morriss

The integrated infrastructure services company also made a strong commitment in the covenant to establish a programme to fund, mentor and provide 20 work experience placements per year for Armed Forces Cadets. Using its network of offices, employees from AECOM will work with the cadets to help them make positive academic career choices in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects. This programme supports AECOM’s broader commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent.

In addition, AECOM will offer greater support for the reservists in its employment by supplementing their annual leave with 15 extra days’ paid leave for their military training and deployment. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) believes this is a market-leading initiative and a differentiator in AECOM’s recruitment drive, especially for graduates.    

Finally, as part of its commitment in the covenant, AECOM will also accelerate the recruitment of ex-servicemen and women to join its UK operations in a range of roles, in disciplines such as engineering, construction, project management and support roles, such as HR, legal and finance. The company currently has over 250 open vacancies in the UK that would be attractive to people from a military background.

AECOM will also create a series of initiatives to support the transition to civilian life such as open days, workshops, and training forums that will develop transferable skills. 

The Corporate Covenant was signed by Steve Morriss, AECOM’s chief executive of Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) and India, who served for 18 years in the military, both as an officer in the Royal Engineers and as a Royal Marine reservist.

“We are an ambitious, growing company that is always looking for the best people to work on our projects across the world, and servicemen and women looking to leave the military are an untapped talent pool,” Morriss said.  “As a former officer myself, I have seen first-hand the breadth of skills that our Armed Forces possess, from leadership and analytical thinking to an unwavering commitment to seeing a job done well.”

Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff (Reserves and Cadets) Major General John Crackett said: “The Armed Forces play an essential role in protecting our interests at home and abroad, this relies entirely on the commitment and dedication of our people. By signing the Corporate Covenant, AECOM has made a significant public commitment to do more to support serving personnel, veterans and reservists.”

Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans Anna Soubry said: “Our armed forces community deserve the best possible support and it is excellent to see AECOM demonstrating, in the pledges they have made, that they are very supportive of the entire Defence Personnel agenda. I am particularly delighted with their commitment to provide work experience placements for cadets and plans for initiatives to recruit ex-service personnel and to help their transition from service to civilian careers.”