EKGTA Recognised with Defence Employer Silver Award
East Kilbride & District Engineering Group Training Association (EKGTA) has received the prestigious Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award, recognising its ongoing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.
The award was presented at a ceremony hosted by Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association at the Burrell Collection in Glasgow on Tuesday 29 September 2026.
EKGTA was among 19 organisations from across the Lowlands of Scotland to receive the award, which recognises employers who demonstrate their commitment to supporting serving personnel, Reservists, veterans and military families.
Chief Executive David Bell and Training Delivery Manager Jim Gillan, who previously served with the Royal Signals in the Army Reserve, attended the ceremony to accept the award on behalf of EKGTA.
Supporting the Armed Forces Community
EKGTA signed the Armed Forces Covenant in June 2024, formally pledging its commitment to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly and supported in employment.
Having previously achieved the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze Award, EKGTA's progression to Silver marks another important milestone in its ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces community.
As part of its Covenant pledge, EKGTA committed to promoting employment opportunities for veterans and service leavers, supporting Reservists in balancing their civilian careers with military commitments, and raising awareness of the Armed Forces community through its activities and networks.
The organisation has longstanding connections with the Armed Forces, with several members of staff having previously served as Regulars or Reservists.
Engineering and the Armed Forces share a close relationship, with technical expertise, practical skills and professional development playing important roles in both sectors. EKGTA recognises the valuable experience and transferable skills that former service personnel bring to engineering and the opportunities the sector can offer those transitioning into civilian careers.
David Bell, Chief Executive of EKGTA, said:
"We're delighted to receive the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award. It's a fantastic achievement for EKGTA and recognition of our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.
"We're proud to have former service personnel among our staff, whose skills and experience make a valuable contribution to the training we deliver. There is a natural connection between engineering and the Armed Forces, and we recognise the importance of creating opportunities for those who have served.
"Signing the Armed Forces Covenant in 2024 was an important step for EKGTA. Having progressed from Bronze to Silver recognition, we're proud of how that commitment has developed and look forward to building on it in the years ahead."
The Silver Award is the second-highest level of recognition under the Ministry of Defence's Employer Recognition Scheme, celebrating organisations that demonstrate Forces-friendly employment practices and actively promote support for the Armed Forces community.
EKGTA is proud to receive this recognition and looks forward to continuing to build on its commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.
Read more about the awards ceremony on the Lowland RFCA website.
