The Ministry of Defence awarded CNet Training with the Gold Covenant in this year’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).  

The ERS recognizes organizations across the U.K. that have an ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces community. Businesses and charitable organizations sign a written and publicised voluntary pledge, which is known as an Armed Forces Covenant. There are three levels — Bronze, Silver, and Gold — with the latter level only being awarded to those who have previously achieved Silver. 

In being awarded with the prestigious Gold award, CNet has shown that it is exemplar within the digital infrastructure industry and supports the Armed Forces Leavers through its training programs and internal HR processes, proactively demonstrating its forces-friendly credentials as part of the recruiting and selection processes. The company has several ex-forces members and reservists as part of its workforce.

“I have been working for CNet Training for the past two years, having served with the R Signals for 24 years,” said Clint Sherratt, technical developer at CNet Training. “Being ex-forces, it is fantastic to be able to work for a company that is so supportive of the Armed Forces. Not only with the support to their own staff and their active reservists but also, in providing robust resettlement training programs and career support for Service Leavers and ex-forces members. I feel proud of the fact that CNet’s efforts have been recognised by gaining the Gold Covenant. I find being able to share my knowledge, experience, and personal journey in transitioning from the Armed Forces to a career in the digital infrastructure industry with others is very satisfying, and I am thankful CNet gives me the opportunity to do this.”

Over the last 25 years, CNet has educated thousands of service leavers, providing them with the necessary skills, hands-on experience, and sought-after qualifications needed to enter the network infrastructure and data center sectors. This award acknowledges the company’s longstanding commitment to supporting members of the Armed Forces, not only during their service but throughout their resettlement.

“We are incredibly proud and honored at being awarded with the Gold Covenant in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme,” said Andrew Stevens, CEO of CNet Training. “CNet have been supporters of the Armed Forces since we started in 1996. As a company, we strongly believe that the experience gained throughout military careers can bring a variety of transferable skills and qualities to the civilian workplace and are especially valuable in working across the network infrastructure and data center sectors.”

“I would like to thank all the organizations who have proven their support for the Defence community during such unprecedented and challenging times,” said Minister for Defence People and Veterans Leo Docherty MP. “The vast range of those represented this year demonstrates how employing the Armed Forces community makes a truly positive and beneficial impact for all employers, regardless of size, sector, or location.”