RAF Reservist, reflects on her time as Trainee Buyer at Marshall Aerospace

RAF Reservist, reflects on her time as Trainee Buyer at Marshall Aerospace

Hannah Knowles joins Marshall, Silver Award winners of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) as Trainee Buyer.

As a Trainee Buyer, Hannah is fully embedded within the team and her role involves sourcing a variety of parts for our business, building supplier relations and exploring opportunities for Marshall to manufacture in-house. She said, “I really enjoy the ethos and culture here at Marshall, it’s just a hardworking and fun team to be a part of.”

Hannah hopes to progress her career with Marshall and in future, look to further her studies by gaining professional recognition with the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) qualifications.

As an Air Force Reservist of 3 years, Hannah has been honoured to offer support alongside police forces at the late Queen’s funeral. As part of her role as a reservist, Hannah has been involved in team building exercises, able to network with like-minded individuals and joined in on the fitness activities. Hannah is also looking forward to being part of the King’s coronation ceremony later this year.

Hannah was looking for job opportunities with regional defence employers and was impressed to understand that Marshall has recently been recognised with a ERS Silver Award for their commitment to armed forces employment. She was pleased to see the vast array of opportunities at Marshall and said, “when I found this role, it seemed the perfect fit for me.”

Amy Robinson, Supply Chain Manager said, “I am proud that we have someone like Hannah working with us who already shows a real potential and has such a dedication to whatever she sets out to achieve, it’s interesting to hear about her role as a reservist and the dedication she applies to it.” The interest and backing that both Hannah’s colleagues and managers have shown has been greatly appreciated and she commented that this has helped her build professional relationships. She said it’s “the best team I’ve ever worked for.”

The Silver Award confirms that Marshall actively supports the defence industry, it highlights the value that Marshall places on supporting the armed force community. Accepting the award on Marshall’s behalf, Neil McManus, Managing Director of Marshall Aerospace, said: “We are honoured to reaffirm and extend Marshall’s long-held commitment to employing and supporting members of the Armed Forces community.”

RAF reservists are trained to a high standard so they can work alongside soldiers and join operations in critical circumstances. Reservists give their time and benefit from developing specialist skills that help them become well-rounded individuals through a host of exciting opportunities and exercises.