The Charity seeks to engage and rehabilitate those affected by military operations, whether physically or mentally, via training, mentoring and support through motorsport. Martin who left the military in 2007 [pictured right], became a beneficiary of Mission Motorsport in 2019 after struggling to find a new path.
Martin said;
I left the army after seven years and although I’d had a number of roles in various organisations after that time, I didn’t really find the new path I was looking for. I did know that there were assistance services for people leaving the military, but I didn’t really think I needed them. Not until many years later.Martin, Veteran and Mission Motorsport beneficiary
Martin first encountered Mission Motorsport after initially applying through a veterans scheme for a trainee position with Toyota UK. Mission Motorsport were carrying out the assessments for the role, and even though the position with Toyota fell through, Martin’s journey with Mission Motorsport was just about to begin.
The charity hold monthly events at The Three Sisters Circuit in Wigan, Lancashire, and it was here that Martin met BAE Systems employee and charity volunteer, Peter.
"Peter was really supportive, right from the beginning, helping me explore possible career options. Having developed an interest in health and safety through previous roles and experience, the Mission team helped me enrol on the NEBOSH General Certificate in Health and Safety with RoSPA.”Martin, at the race circuit
Once Martin had completed his course, Peter encouraged him to look at applying for Health and Safety Advisor roles. In January 2023 Martin successfully passed the recruitment process for a Safety Health and Environment (SHE) Associate role with BAE Systems Air, and he credits Peter and James from the Mission Motorsport team as being the driving force that helped him get there.
Whenever I try to thank Peter [BAE Systems] or James [CEO at Mission Motorsport] for their help with everything, they won’t accept it, but honestly I cannot thank them enough for this opportunity. This is somewhere I aspired to be one day and I didn’t think it would ever actually happen.”
Looking to the future as he embarks on this new journey with BAE Systems, Martin’s keen to help others in a similar position, and so he too has now joined the ranks of volunteers with Mission Motorsport.
I really enjoy being part of the Mission Motorsport family. This November, at the Race of Remembrance weekend, it will be my fifth race supporting our team as a race mechanic. I get to work with some great people, doing a sport I enjoy and now I’m in a position where I can use my experiences to help others that need it too. It’s great.”Martin, SHE Associate, BAE Systems Air and Mission Motorsport volunteer
Our Community Investment Donation
In November 2022, BAE Systems Air Community Investment fund donated £12,000 to Mission Motorsport, Wigan. The donation goes towards ensuring Mission Motorsport can continue to hold their monthly meetings, which are a vital avenue of practical and mental health support for the beneficiaries who use the charity.
Read more about the donation
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Armed Forces Covenant
MoD Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award
In 2013, we were the first Defence Company to sign the UK Armed Forces Covenant. BAE Systems was also one of the first six winners of the MoD Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, which recognises an organisation’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. We are proud to have held this status continuously since the Scheme began in July 2014.
VETNET
Our UK employee resource group
Set up and run by employees, the VetNet employee resource group offers camaraderie and support to BAE Systems employees who served in the armed forces as well as employees who are also reservists.