Featured
Testimonial

Luke Harris, Metro Guard

I joined SWR as a metro guard in 2023 and I have since progressed to become a commercial guard. I am based at Woking Depot, working a varied mixture of suburban services in and around London, reginal services towards Surrey and North Hampshire and intercity services to Portsmouth. I am also a reservist in the Royal Navy (RN). A reservist is a person who serves part time in the military. Specialisations and commitments vary by induvial and service, but each will serve at least 24 days a year in uniform with some doing significantly more.

Contrary to popular belief, a reservist is not simply extra manpower to call on in times of war. In the RN we fulfil niche roles with skillsets not found in the regular force. I am by trade a mine warfare officer, my core role is to act as a “battle-watch captain” within a mine warfare battle staff; directing operations to keep sea lines of communication open to military and civilian shipping. With 96% of UK trade by volume traveling by sea and the vast majority of our natural gas supply flowing through 4 of the world’s 7 strategic maritime chokepoints on its way from the middle east, we form a vital part of UK national defence. Additionally, I currently hold a unit management role at HMS PRESIDENT as the boats officer; where I have overall responsibility for the seamanship, communication and afloat first aid training and operations for all naval reservists in London and the South East.

SWR are silver signatories to the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) and are aiming to be elevated to gold status in the next year. The AFC is a promise made by organisations to support military people (reservists, veterans, cadet force adult volunteers and their families) and ensure they are not disadvantaged as a result of their service. This was one of the things that attracted me to work for the company as a serving reservist. We balance the competing demands of our civilian employment, military service and our personal lives so a supportive employer who puts in place provisions to enable us to serve effectively, such as additional leave and the ability to move free days as a shift worker, is of great benefit. By signing the AFC and maintaining their commitment, SWR support us in our support of the nation.

As part of this support, the company has recently set up the “SWR Served” network for military people and those with an interest in the matter to connect and support each other. I would encourage anyone connected with the military to join and ensure they are making the most of the benefits of the covenant and to connect with each other.

SWR is a fantastic place to work if you are a reservist or otherwise connected with the military. The support we receive from the organisation and individuals within it is crucial to serving reservists and those transitioning out of service life. If that applies to you, I would encourage you to look at available roles. If you are already within SWR and looking for a meaningful challenge, I would recommend becoming a reservist to anyone.

© South Western Railway Limited (Company Number 03266760). All rights reserved.