Politics

If you’re an entrepreneur or innovator you could benefit from a networking event to help grow your business through smart use of technology.

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A funeral service was held for three unknown soldiers who enlisted into The Lancashire Fusiliers, the New Zealand (NZ) Infantry and of an unknown regiment on Tuesday 7 March 2017 at Perth Cemetery (China Wall) near Ypres, Belgium.

The service, organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), part of Defence Business Services was conducted by Reverend Chris Kellock, Chaplain 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

The service was supported by The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and by staff from the New Zealand Embassy. In attendance were delegates from both British and New Zealand Defence, regimental representatives and local dignitaries.

Three sets of remains were discovered near Zonnebeke in December 2012 and accompanying military insignia indicated the casualties were World War 1 soldiers of The Lancashire Fusiliers and NZ Infantry; no identifying insignia accompanied the third soldier. Despite extensive research, the JCCC was unable to identify the casualties and they will be buried as ‘Soldiers of the Great War known unto God’.

Beverley Simon, JCCC said:

We owe a huge debt to those who fought in the Great War and we at JCCC take immense pride in ensuring all those who died in the service of their country are laid to rest with the appropriate dignity, ceremony and respect.

Reverend Chris Kellock QCVS RAChD, Chaplain 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers said:

It is always an immense privilege to be involved on such occasions as this. As the current Chaplain to the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers it is an honour to join with other Fusiliers, past and present, alongside our friends from New Zealand to ensure a fitting remembrance to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The memory of these unknown soldiers, in particular the Lancashire Fusilier, is part of our history but more importantly provides the motivation for our young Fusiliers as they follow in the proud traditions of wearing the hackle.

Headstones for the unknown soldiers have been provided by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), who will now care for their final resting place in perpetuity.

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During this year’s National Apprenticeship Week, Highways England have committed to recruiting a further 90 apprentices and 46 graduates.

Current apprentices at Highways England (left to Right) Ben Matthews, Amelia Kirwan, Liam Burns and Johnny Bowen (Daniel Hambury/Stella Pictures)

We will recruit the posts over the next 7 months as we increase our capability and capacity to deliver £15 billion worth of improvements across the country. We will continue to recruit at a similar level for the next 3 years at least.

To find out more, sign up for e-mail alerts and apply for an apprenticeship visit the apprenticeship web page.

San Johal, Human Resources Director at Highways England, says:

Our apprentices tell us they find their work varied, engaging, challenging and exciting.

This is a great time to join our team. By 2021, we will have delivered a £15 billion government investment in our motorways and major A-roads to keep drivers and businesses moving, boosting the country’s economy.

To do this, we are investing in the next generation. As an apprentice, you are learning whilst you are earning. Our apprenticeships are available to everyone and are a real alternative to traditional routes like university. Visit our website and explore our apprenticeship opportunities to begin a fantastic career with us.

The Highways England apprenticeship scheme supports the government’s goal to create 30,000 apprenticeships in road and rail by 2020.

Amelia Kirwan, apprentice project manager, said:

I’m over the moon to have got a Higher Level Apprenticeship within Highways England, they want you do well within your role and look after their employees. I’d say being only 18 and having a pension plan already set up and running is pretty good going.

Roles at Highways England including Project Managers, IT, civil engineering, finance, HR, business admin and customer service are open for applications and continue throughout 2017. There are opportunities across the country, including Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Bristol, Bedford and Guildford.

New recruits will be helping to play a part in modernising England’s motorways and major A-roads by developing and delivering technically advanced projects. These include schemes like the A303 Stonehenge improvements and the Lower Thames Crossing.

Looking further ahead, we are developing strong relationships with schools and colleges as part of a wider ‘early talent’ recruitment plan, to encourage children to continue the study of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects. This will help them to become the engineers and construction professionals of tomorrow.

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