Find work for veterans – call
19th September 2017

Panel and composite door supplier Vista has joined the calls from a veterans charity for the fenestration industry to find more employment opportunities and support from for ex-service personnel.

The calls, from Walking With The Wounded, were prompted by the return of Prince Harry to ‘Veterans Village’, a new community in Manchester which the Prince helped to build for ex-military personnel and their families.

Gary Lamb, Associate Director for Walking With The Wounded North West explained: “The window and door industry is one sector where we are hoping to gain more awareness and champion ex-military personnel. For many veterans, employment is a key factor in regaining independence after active service. The Manchester team has undertaken a significant amount of work to raise the awareness of veteran’s employment by looking to open routes to employment with local corporates and businesses, and establish training programmes and work experience which will benefit many in the future.”

Vista commercial manager John Pinder added: “From directly supporting this project in Manchester, we were able to see how important returning to work is to ex-military staff and we urge the industry to consider former servicemen and women when recruiting and to make the Walking With The Wounded team aware of any training programs or routes to employment they may have.”

Prince Harry, who supports the charity as Expedition Patron, visited residents on Canada Street who are beginning to adjust to life as civilians. His Royal Highness also visited Sherpa House, which provides veterans with accommodation during their pathway back to independence.

In 2015, the charity joined forces with BBC’s DIY SOS and both Princes Harry and William to transform Canada Street in Newton Heath from dilapidated, boarded-up houses into vibrant homes for the veterans. Merseyside firm Vista proudly donated a number of their composite doors to the project and supplied members of their team to help with the efforts.

www.walkingwiththewounded.org.uk
www.vistapanels.co.uk