Thursday 8th September was Reserves  Day  and 124 Recovery Company REME, supported by Tesco and the Job Centre was on display in Newton Aycliffe. For what used to be called “Uniform to Work Day” members of the local Army Reserve unit, 124 Recovery Company REME based at Northfield Way, were invited to celebrate Reserves Day 2016 by the Job Centre and Tesco and bring their military equipment and recruiting information to the Tesco car park. Despite a slow start, and the chance of heavy rain, there was a good turnout from the general public showing their support. Staff members from JobCentre Plus came out to try out our virtual reality headset showing 360 degrees videos of some of the military skills such as parachuting, hill walking, room clearance in an urban environment and a gunner on a Battle Tank. The aim of the event was to share Reserve Day with the community and spread the message that 124 Recovery Company are always recruiting for a variety of roles, in people’s spare time around work and family commitments. In the afternoon we were invited to support Arlington Automotive on the Aycliffe Business Park, who had asked one of their employees, and one of our Reserves, to wear his uniform to work. Liam Armstrong proudly showed off his uniform and 124 thank Steve Dale and Frank Hewitt for their hospitality. Special thanks to Beverley Marriner (Employer Advisor for DWP) and Syd Howarth Editor of Newton News who was impressed by the virtual reality experience, and now has something for his Christmas list! The Job Centre at Newton Aycliffe is currently working with the Army Reserves who are running an “Armed Forces Employability Pathway” a one week residential course held in Catterick from 17 – 21 October.  The course highlights are: • Personal Motivation • Teamwork • Team Building • Leadership • Problem Solving • Personal Development • Careers Advice • Learning Industry Related Core Skills • Guaranteed Interview. In addition to this the 4th Infantry Brigade and Headquarters North East will be delivering a number of Army Reserve “Look at Life” courses for young people aged between 17 and 49 aimed at helping them become job ready.  The benefits from joining the Army Reserves are: • Spare-time work • Learn a trade • Get qualifications • Build your CV • Drive your career • Up to £2000 – £3000 incentive for entrants. For more information about future events, or to chat to a recruiter about opportunities there might be for you in the Army Reserve, call 01325 375000 or email 102reme-124recruitingteam@mod.uk

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