Around 20 veterans attended the Armed Forces breakfast at Milton Keynes College’s The Brasserie, where they were joined by some of our staff who are part of the Armed Forces community. Celebrating Armed Forces Day and Reserves Day – and topping off Armed Forces Week – the breakfast provided an opportunity for Forces staff and veterans to network and share their experiences.

For the event on Friday 27th June, The Brasserie was decorated with bunting, banners and flags. Level 3 Catering students prepared the breakfast for the event with Hospitality students helping in the restaurant. The guests enjoyed a selection of breakfast foods, including sausage and bacon rolls, yoghurt, fruit and granola pots, fresh fruit platters, and ham and cheese croissants. The students received positive feedback from the guests.

The College Group supports colleagues who are part of the Armed Forces community and their families by offering additional leave for training for cadet volunteers and reservists, hosting discussions and training to encourage better understanding to support Armed Forces colleagues and advertising vacancies on specialist Armed Forces job boards for leavers and veterans.

Milton Keynes College Group received the Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award in September 2023, recognising the Group’s promise that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

Richie Carter, Workplace Trainer for Commis Chefs at Milton Keynes College Group, said: “As an ex-serviceman myself, these occasions are extraordinary. They provide a fantastic opportunity to help and support the Armed Forces community, where we can ‘pull up a sandbag’, and talk. It was wonderful observing people get together, introduce each other and make new acquaintances.

“It is important we remember – sharing is caring. Standing together, we are stronger together.”

Ben Burton, Recruitment Resourcer at Milton Keynes College Group, said: “Richie and his team at The Brasserie knocked it out the park again! Also thank you to my colleagues Pez Ryan, Peter Goodwin and Tina Leigh McDonald who are always championing our Armed Forces network and the Armed Forces Covenant. They remind us of what it’s about and why we have days for Reservists, Remembrance, VE and VJ days and weeks celebrating the work and sacrifice by all in our Armed Forces Family.

“This Armed Forces Day we thank all for their service; we thank all for their support, and we remember those who have served, and show support to those who still serve.”

You can learn more about MK College’Group’s Armed Forces Covenant here.