Uniserve, part of GB Global, is proud to announce a new partnership with Veterans Job Board, strengthening its commitment to supporting ex-military personnel as they transition into civilian careers within the GB Global Group.
Veterans Job Board plays a vital role in connecting job seekers with military backgrounds to employers seeking highly skilled, disciplined, and adaptable candidates. Through this collaboration, GB Global aims to provide meaningful career opportunities and pathways for veterans looking to establish themselves in the logistics sector.
Uniserve is already fortunate to have a number of ex-service personnel within its organisation, whose experience, leadership, and work ethic continue to make a significant impact. The company is excited to build on this foundation and support even more veterans in kickstarting their careers within the industry.
Those interested in exploring current opportunities at Uniserve and GB Global can find out more here.
As part of this initiative, Uniserve has also spoken with two colleagues who previously served in the military to learn more about their transition to civilian life and how they are progressing within the logistics industry. Their stories highlight the valuable contributions veterans bring to the workforce and the opportunities available within the sector.
Read more about their journeys below and discover how Uniserve is supporting veterans in building successful post-service careers.
Gareth Manger
HGV Driver Trainer
Chepstow
Can you tell us about your journey from military service to your current role at Uniserve, and what inspired you to move into logistics?
After serving over 22 years in the Army and 12 years in the Royal Logistic Corp, moving to logistics was a logical move for me.
I completed my O License course within resettlement, and I held the position as a transport manager for a small transport company. I drove HGVs for several years, then decided I would use the skills and expertise I gained through the military as an HGV instructor to become an HGV Driver Trainer.
1. Which skills or values from your time in the Armed Forces have been most valuable in your career within the logistics sector?
- Discipline
- Loyalty and determination
- The ability to get the job done
- Multi-tasking
2. What challenges did you face when transitioning from military life to civilian employment, and how did you overcome them?
- Learning the monetary factor within the civilian employment is critical. Learning everything has a cost.
- Learning to leave some of the military humour behind, knowing your audience and ensuring not to offend anyone.
- Some days will be great and others will be a challenge. It’s having that calmness to try and deal with difficult situations.
3. With GB Global now partnering with Veterans in Logistics to support veterans into employment, what message would you share with other service leavers considering a career in logistics?
The various roles available within logistics is huge, be it driving an HGV to working in the warehouse or IT & Communications jobs – Uniserve may have a role for you.
I am currently still a serving member of the Army Reserves and Uniserve support me fully.
4. How has Uniserve supported your development since joining, and why do you think logistics is a strong career path for other veterans leaving the Armed Forces?
Since joining Uniserve almost 2 years ago, the company has given me the opportunity to attend my civilian HGV Instructors course. I have just completed year one into a company funded three-year BSc Hons course in Logistics and Supply Chain Management which is run through GB Global’s own Supply Chain Academy and in conjunction with Leeds Trinity University.
Andrew De Vere
Warehousing Director
Upminster
Can you tell us about your journey from military service to your current role at Uniserve, and what inspired you to move into logistics?
As most ex-Military I fell into Logistics however it has become far more sophisticated and wide ranging over the years there are many avenues for a career path and being a global business is very attractive for a people with lots of self-disciplines
1. Which skills or values from your time in the Armed Forces have been most valuable in your career within the logistics sector?
Self-discipline, organisation, integrity and work ethic.
2. What challenges did you face when transitioning from military life to civilian employment, and how did you overcome them?
It felt a very lonely place coming from many years of the military I also was very critical of the work ethic of what I thought of as civilians I didn’t have the comfort of Family and I moved to an area where I didn’t have any support networks My training and prior life helped me to overcome and adapt and although took a few months started to move forward with work and friendships.
3. With GB Global now partnering with Veterans in Logistics to support veterans into employment, what message would you share with other service leavers considering a career in logistics?
Logistics is such a diverse business so take time to ensure you choose the career path you will both enjoy and excel at. Don’t be afraid to try different areas!
4. How has Uniserve supported your development since joining, and why do you think logistics is a strong career path for other veterans leaving the Armed Forces?
During my career I have been supported by various areas and I am now in a position to support any service men or women coming into Uniserve.