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‘’I have known Darren since he first started Veterans Training Academy. His enthusiasm and passion are phenomenal. His support for his veteran brothers and sisters and for those recently released from the judicial system is amazing.

I have no doubt that Veterans Training Academy will be a massive success, not only locally but nationally. It’s a pleasure to work with him and I have no hesitation in making referrals to him for those beneficiaries wanting to gain their HGV/LGV qualifications’’

‘’I have been working with Darren from VTA from the inception idea of VTA. Darren worked tirelessly to get the business off the ground and his military mindset enabled him to focus on the overall outcome. I am pleased to see the business is now up and running and I am very proud to have played a small part in supporting VTA. I am looking forward to seeing those from military backgrounds have an opportunity to restart or further their career through this service is fantastic.
 
VTA has also stepped up during the CV19 pandemic and to witness the enthusiasm and dedication from the leadership team down to the ground is something to behold.
 
Good Luck with it all, not that you will need it’’

‘’Upon meeting and talking to Darren, I could see that he really understood the issues that Veterans and Offenders would face in the world of work.

Darren took the time to chat with Veterans and to answer questions when necessary.  I have found that Darren gives frank and honest help, which is what is needed when working with Veterans and Offenders.  I have found working with Darren a real breath of fresh air as he is so easy to relate to makes referring Veterans a pleasure’’

‘’During the coronavirus pandemic, Trafford Veterans were asked by Trafford Council to support the supply of food bank boxes from the warehouses to emergency hubs.

We approached VTA to see if they could help us with the deliveries. They have kindly been supporting us ever since. This has helped not only local armed forces veterans but members of the wider community too. We would just like to say a massive THANK YOU to Darren and Veterans Training Academy for going the extra mile. We look forward to working with you in the future’’

‘‘Darren is very prompt in his response to all enquiries and referrals and always offers clear advice and support to our members. He has provided fully funded training packages to all the veterans we have referred. We are delighted with his service and look forward to working with VTA in the future’’

‘‘Since I was introduced to Darren some months ago through Royal British Legion Industries, straight away he was guiding me down a successful civilian path which for most veterans is a struggle. His willingness and motivation to help veterans is something that is quite remarkable. Darren goes out of his way every day to get things done and to make sure that whoever he is helping is on the right path.

I highly recommend Darren amongst the Armed Forces veterans’ community. His ability to help other veterans and what he sets out to do is brilliant. A great guy and a good friend, I simply cannot thank him enough for all the help’’

‘‘I was unemployed and looking for work when I was referred to Groundworks through the employment advisor at the job centre. The advisor told me about VTA and how they offer funded LGV Driver Training for ex-military personnel. This was something I had always wanted to pursue but had never had the opportunity to do so. I immediately got in touch with VTA who started the process straight away.

With Darren being ex-military, he put me at ease and gave me the confidence that I could achieve my ambitions. The training at VTA is to a very high standard and the team make you feel welcome from day one’’

‘‘I left the Royal Navy in 2012 after 25 years of seeing service in the first Gulf War (Operation Granby), tours in Former Yugoslavia as NATO forces both on land and at sea, anti-piracy patrols in the Arabian Gulf, and in Port Bengazi, evacuating European nationals.

Since leaving service I tried jobs that did not use my full potential and skills. I struggled to find suitable courses and employment and eventually lost my self-esteem and self-belief. Then I was approached by the Forces Employment Charity and was put in touch with VTA. I underwent a training programme for my LGV licence on a course run by veterans who understand the daunting problems a service person faces when leaving service.

VTA not only runs courses by assists in helping the veteran to find work after training. They are great people and there are there for the individual’’