Virgin Red’s sponsorship will enable military and veteran spouses to get involved in a free mentor programme. The mentors from Virgin Red will include Directors from around the business.
More than 14 military spouses are recruited by Virgin Red and Virgin as ‘Reward Genies’. Virgin Red has confirmed sponsorship of a new mentorship programme for military/veteran spouses, through Recruit for Spouses’ Career Academy – reinforcing its ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces. The sponsorship enables military/veteran spouses and partners to have direct access to mentors, who will provide valuable advice, feedback and encouragement in their path back to the workplace.
The programme will be managed by Recruit for Spouses’ Career Academy – the social enterprise community interest company (CiC) designed to up-skill and encourage military and veteran spouses or partners considering their next professional steps. The Career Academy and Virgin Red come together with a shared focus, collective interest and expertise in working with individuals to provide valuable professional support.
Military/veteran spouses and partners can struggle to find a consistent career path whilst supporting their partner with their Armed Forces career. This can be as a result of frequent new postings (requiring relocation), extended career breaks or lack of childcare facilities. The mentorship program is designed to build an individual’s self-confidence, assist in setting and achieving goals whilst clarifying and enhancing career direction and advancement.
Kate Kendall from the People Team at Virgin Red, says:
“Virgin Red is committed to supporting the Armed Forces community and, having employed 14 British and Commonwealth military spouses since July 2020, it feels like a natural step for Virgin Red to now provide support for those looking to take steps back to the workplace. It isn’t just the military/veteran spouses who benefit from this, the Virgin Red mentors will be able to develop their own interpersonal skills and gain a sense of fulfilment, along with personal growth.”
The mentors will be recruited from within Virgin Red and include employees in roles such as; business development and portfolio management.
Kelly Best, Chief Marketing Officer at Virgin Red, says:
“The Virgin Red Recruit for Spouses team – known as the Reward Genies – have been firing on all cylinders and delivering an exceptional service since launching our new rewards club. We are thrilled to continue to support Recruit for Spouses in other ways and find challenging, interesting and fully flexible work for these incredibly talented people.”
Rebecca Hopwood, Coach and Mentor Programme Manager at the Career Academy, says:
“We are thrilled Virgin Red has committed further still to supporting military/veteran spouses. Our community will benefit hugely from the fresh, progressive approach Virgin Red brings to the table. The mentors are hugely focused and driven to provide the best guidance to champion our spouses and partners.”
