Leading worktop and bathroom panel manufacturer Bushboard has recruited ex-military personnel for several key roles within the company.

“We used an agency that specialises in ex-military job seekers,??? said Lindy Tegg. “We find that ex forces people are committed, hardworking, self-motivated and happy to take a high level of responsibility – all qualities as important to us at Bushboard as they are to HM Forces.

Former RAF Weapons Engineer, Lee Palmer, has been appointed as a Quality Engineer for Bushboard. Lee who served for over 20 years carried out tours to all the high-profile combat zones including Northern Ireland, The Falklands and Afghanistan. He said “Working on complex and demanding projects for the Harrier Squadron, Bomb Disposal and on engineering ejection seats was an amazing and challenging career. It’s great to know Bushboard recognise the value of such high quality, but transferable skills."

Similarly, it was a big step from operating a high-tech weapons system, battling pirates or being in control of a platoon of young recruits to working in the commercial world.

Alan Ball, now a Technical Manager with the company was an advance Javelin operator in the artillery. The Javelin is a guided shoulder launch missile system for taking out enemy aircraft. “I was very fortunate to never fire this in anger, says Alan. “I was based in Germany and England during my 3.5 years in the Army. Being in the Army gave me discipline and strength and loyalty in my early years and these qualities are still are a strong part of my life today and are positives that I can bring to my job.???

Samuel Gorf has traded a life on the ocean wave to join Bushboard as Maintenance Engineer. He served with the Royal Navy for eight years as a Weapons Engineer looking after sonar, radar and communications systems on four different ships – and sailed on anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden. “His job in the Navy called for incredible attention to detail – a quality we value here at Bushboard.??? said Tegg. 

Gary Bannister spent 16 years with REME – the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers who look after the Army’s many different vehicles. At the end of his Army career, he was Automotive Production Manager in charge of a workshop with a staff of 12 and supporting a medical unit on deployments around the world.

Bushboard felt that his experience and the level of responsibility it entailed would make him the ideal candidate for the post of Lean Practitioner – a job that involves spending time in all departments making sure that processes and procedures are in place and that everything is running as smoothly as it can. 

Bushboard is continuing to recruit ex forces personnel “We have been very happy with the quality of those we have recruited,??? said Tegg “and we are pleased to be able to support our ex-service personnel.???

Caption left to right: Gary Bannister, Lee Palmer, Alan Ball, Samuel Gorf all military veterans join the Bushboard employee team.

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