Waterville, Nova Scotia — Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. will now participate in the CF Transition Assistance Program (TAP) while continuing its support of the CF Reservist Program, plant manager David Griffin announced November 27, 2009.
TAP helps CF members who have been or will be medically released to make the transition to the civilian workforce.
“The programs are extremely important,” said Mr. Griffin. “Many of us are ex-military and we recognize the experience the Reservist gets working their reserve duty job. Many skills are transferable to the plant.”
Military skills transfer to civilian domains
Sgt Ken Gardy, vehicle crew commander of Moncton's 4 Air Defence, shows off the Michelin tires of his Bison Air Space Coordination Centre vehicle to company workers Kevin Ward and Richard Uhlman.
The CFLC consists of civilian business leaders from across Canada who volunteer their time and effort to promote the Primary Reserve Force. The council is mandated to enhance the availability of Reservists for their military duties by obtaining the support and co-operation of organization leaders in Canada.
Council members highlight the benefits of Reserve Force training and experience to the civilian workplace. By employing these individuals, a company is assured of loyal, mature, respectful, hardworking and mission-driven employees.
Corporate support important to program participants
Employee Lle Kun inspects the Michelin tire on the Army's Bison Light Armoured Vehicle to see if he manufactured it.
Captain Doug Earl, who currently works part-time in Camp Aldershot, said the company announcement was very important. It allows him time away from his full-time job at the plant to train with the CF with no worries of employer problems or support.
“Its tremendous training,” said Capt Earl, referring to his military training experiences. “My leadership skills learned through the military affect my job here greatly.”
Brigadier-General Dave Neasmith, Commander of Land Force Atlantic Area (LFAA), reiterated the point to dignitaries, Reservists and plant workers who attended the announcement.
“This program [TAP] would not be able to succeed without the support of companies like Michelin North America and others, and I would like to thank you for your dedicated, continuing efforts in supporting your country and your Canadian Forces,” he said.
Increasing support from Canadian organizations
Since 1992, the number of supportive Canadian employers and educational institutions listed in the CFLC database has grown from 16 to 5,400. These companies continue to play a critical role in ensuring that Reservists are available for their military duties.
Support for Reservists has grown increasingly important to the Canadian Forces, given that 22% of the Army’s deployed troops to Afghanistan are Reserve soldiers.
If you would like to know more about the CFLC programs or you are a civilian business owner who would like to see exactly what your Reserve Forces are doing during their time off from your workplace, visit the Canadian Forces Liaison Council’s website.
Article and photos by Sergeant Todd Berry, Army News, Halifax
Sgt Todd Berry is a reporter for Army News.
