The Power of Armed Forces Veteran Employment
The Forces in Business Awards
The Forces in Business Awards were founded in 2018 to showcase the talent of military veterans across the UK and America. The awards have helped transform veteran employment by ensuring the Armed Forces community is in the spotlight as a source of talent for employers.
The shortlist for the 2025 British Forces in Business Awards has recently been announced showcasing the incredible talent the Armed Forces community has to offer. Veolia’s very own Lee Prentice has been shortlisted for the Engineering Excellence Award, a great honour to acknowledge his work as a Senior Contract Manager.
Lee joined the Royal Navy as an Electrical Marine Engineer, working on various HM ships and shore-based establishments. Currently, Lee is a Senior Contract Manager for Veolia’s Industrial, Water and Energy division. He has worked on several high-profile NHS sustainability projects aimed at decarbonising the healthcare sector by supporting carbon and cost reduction.
By utilising the skills he developed during his time in the Navy, Lee has cultivated and maintained strong client relationships and provided high levels of innovation and sustainable solutions.
Lee's dedication has helped to achieve the following results:
£1,182,996 in guaranteed annual energy savings
2.6 GWh of heat saved annually
1.2 GWh of gas saved annually
17,900m3 of water saved annually
Due to his success, Lee is now involved with projects at Southampton General Hospital and Royal United Hospital Bath. Alongside this, Lee volunteers as the Vice Chairman of the Combustion Engineering Association (CEA) and serves on the General Purpose Committee. The CEA is a registered educational charity aiming to advance the understanding and development within the combustion industry.
Lee’s work highlights the value of employing veterans, as the skills learnt in the Armed Forces, such as leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to excellence, are crucial in the business world.
The 2025 awards were held at Grosvenor House London, on 26th June, with 1,200 leaders from the business and Armed Forces communities in attendance.
Veolia recognised as a Top 50 Employer of Veterans
Veolia currently employs more than 300 veterans in its UK workforce. As part of its commitment to inclusive recruitment, we ask applicants to voluntarily identify themselves as veterans during the application process. This early identification ensures visibility, allows appropriate support, and connects candidates to tailored pathways from the start. Veolia also ensures veterans feel supported by offering:
10 days’ additional paid leave for reservists and cadet force adult volunteers
Dedicated Armed Forces programme embedded in an inclusive recruitment strategy
As a Gold Employment Recognition Scheme employer, it guarantees interviews to qualifying veterans, reservists, and their families
Armed Forces community represented in ED&I policies and the internal Armed Forces forum
Active partnerships with Armed Forces Employment Charities
Regular showcase of veteran talent through internal case studies and national campaigns.
Our Armed Forces Programme
Veolia attends military-focused job fairs as well as advertising through several Armed Forces employment sites. This approach allows us to access a wide variety of skilled applicants while supporting individuals transitioning from military service.
Our Armed Forces programme provides tailored onboarding, training, and development support. It aligns military competencies with business needs and creates structured career progression pathways for service leavers, veterans, and military spouses. Mentorship is also offered to help build confidence, expand networks, and to help service leavers navigate their new professional environment.
Veolia understands the importance of unlocking the power of veteran employment. We offer a values-driven approach where purpose and professionalism align. With structured entry routes, dedicated support, and opportunities for advancements, veterans can find a clear career path in roles that value their skills and ethos. From engineering to leadership, Veolia matches military experience to meaningful civilian roles within a culture that respects service and promotes growth.
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