Circular economy firm offers career path to veterans

EFT Consult, a Swansea-based company that specialises in cutting edge and innovative technologies in relation to the design and consultancy of the built environment, and the implementation of the principles of the circular economy, has partnered with The British Training Board to help 100 veterans and service leavers to gain skills and work opportunities beyond the Armed Forces.

The British Training Board helps former members of the Armed Forces embark on a new career outside of the military. EFT Consult has partnered with the company to assist in the delivery of a program that will see 100 ex-service personnel trained in the circular economy, facilities management and building services to help them enhance their skills and career prospects.

The program will deliver on the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, which is a Welsh Government initiative focussed on improving the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales. In accordance with this initiative, the training provided by EFT Consult will subsequently offer companies a better working environment, help to reduce waste and improve organisational well-being, all while providing veterans with a fulfilling career and enhanced skills base.

The circular economy is an alternative to the current linear model of take, make, waste. It is designed to help organisations be more prudent with their use of resources – to reuse, recycle, regenerate, and care for the well-being of people, resources and the planet. EFT Consult launched the South West Wales branch of the Circular Economy Club last year, which is a not-for-profit international network of over 3,100 circular economy professionals and organisations from over 100 countries.

Chris Jenkins, director of EFT Consult, said:

“We are honoured to be supporting this great initiative in partnership with The British Training Board. Not only will this training be incredibly beneficial to those making the transition into civilian life or seeking a more fulfilling career after serving in the forces, but it will also improve those organisations that adopt these important principles. This is about creating a truly ethical, responsible and self-sustainable society while giving back to those who have served.

“We look forward to seeing veterans and the ex-forces community benefit from this global opportunity within the circular economy and facilities management sectors.”

EFT Consult, a building services consultancy specialising in innovative technologies for the built environment, and the implementation of the principles of the circular economy, has signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant to show its support of the Services community in the Swansea region.

EFT Consult, based in Swansea, pledged its support to those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces and their families through signing the Armed Forces Community Covenant on 14 May at Swansea’s Guildhall. Its backing of the covenant, chaired by Swansea Council, seeks to encourage local communities to support the Service community in their area and nurture understanding and awareness amongst the public of the issues affecting the Armed Forces community.

The support of the Armed Forces Covenant complements EFT Consult’s dedication to the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, which is a Welsh Government initiative focussed on improving the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales.

The importance of the well-being of the Armed Forces community to EFT Consult is further demonstrated by the company recently agreeing to provide training to 100 veterans and service leavers, to help them to gain skills and work opportunities beyond the Armed Forces. The company has also employed former Services-personnel, recognising the wide variety of skills held by those who have served in the forces.

Adrian Matthews, consultant at EFT Consult, said:

“I’m proud to be a part of a company that supports the Armed Forces community. The signing of the covenant solidifies EFT Consult’s dedication to this important part of our community and wider society. As an ex-serviceman myself, it is incredibly rewarding to be involved in an innovative and forward-thinking company that operates holistically to improve the well-being of Wales, while recognising and valuing those who have served our country.

“I have no doubt we will continue to build upon our work to help those who have left or are leaving the forces, as this is in line with EFT Consult’s ethos of improving social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being.”