Collaboration a key objective for Armed Forces Engineer 2015

Armed Forces Engineer 2015 will bring together engineers and industry specialists to focus on how best to meet the defence sector’s engineering needs.

The Armed Forces Engineer 2015 conference aims to help those in the sector collaborate on how the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force can work together to sustain high levels of engineering competence across all three services.
 
To be held in London on 21-22 October 2015, the conference will explore how the roles of uniformed and civilian engineers are vital to the strategic goals of the Armed Forces. Speakers will also focus on how the role of the reservist is expanding, following major cutbacks across all three services.

One of the key speakers at the event, Air Vice-Marshal Julian Young, Director Helicopters and Defence Engineering Champion, DE&S said: "Qualified and experienced engineers and technicians are a precious resource and in critically short supply nationally.
 
“The MOD recognises this, and is working hard to attract, develop, deploy and retain the best. At the same time the MOD is collaborating with industry to ensure that the collective long-term needs for engineering can be met across the defence sector. We cannot afford for this vital work to be anything other than successful, and thus all ideas are welcome."

The Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) called for cuts in personnel and a phasing-out of certain equipment, and placed a huge demand on the role of reservists. In addition, the government identified the need for a ‘joint approach’ under the new structure.

With streamed sessions dedicated to each armed forces division, as well as a chance for delegates to discuss the major points of this transitional period, the conference will examine:

• Engineering new equipment capabilities.
• The role of the reservist.
• Technology: the engineering angle.
• Sustaining engineers across the UK Armed Forces.
• The role of female military leadership.

Hannah Proffitt, Resident Engineer Chassis Engineering, Bentley Motors Limited, is among the experienced reservists and serving personnel providing many perspectives at the conference. She will be giving a reservist engineer’s personal view, explaining her background, training, and highlights of a civilian and military career.
 
Other speakers include:

• Air Vice-Marshal Julian Young, Director Helicopters and Defence Engineering Champion, DE&S.
• Commodore Andrew Jameson, Head Maritime Reserves, Navy Command HQ.
• Air Vice-Marshal Sue Gray, Director Combat Air, DE&S.
• Colonel Ian Adkins, Colonel REME Reserves.

Relevant to engineers of all ranks and positions within the UK Armed Forces – and for business and industry leaders alike – the benefits of attending Armed Forces Engineer 2015 include:

• Recognising how each service plans to sustain a high level of engineering skill sets.
• Identifying how employing reservists can support your business.
• Understanding the newly adopted roles and responsibilities of engineers across the UK Armed Forces from 2015.
• Networking with senior figures from across the UK Armed Forces, who are championing a joint approach.

Neil Hinchliffe, the Institution’s Business Development Manager (Armed Forces) will also be attending the event to provide information about the support the Institution can offer industry and the military to maintain engineering excellence across the UK Armed Forces.

Neil said: “We recognise the engineering challenge faced by UK MoD and the Defence sector, and we will support where we are able to ensure successful outcomes. We would intend to build upon what is already a superb relationship with MoD and industry, while continuing to offer first-class support to engineers and employers alike.”

More information
For full details and information about early bird discounts visit our page on Armed Forces Engineer 2015.