Page 46 - RADC Bulletin 2019

CORPS MATTERS
British Dental
Conference
and Dentistry
Show, NEC
Birmingham,
17–18 May 19
Capt Cheryl Blackwood RADC
For numerous years now the RADC Recruitment Team have been present
at the British Dental Conference and Dentistry show in Birmingham to recruit.
I know from previous experience, having helped Capt Mel Bailey and SSgt Phil Lajoie back in 2005, that over the 2
days we were expected to have large amounts of dental professionals from all different parts of the world and a variety of exhibitors, so this year’s recruitment stand needed to be big and have an impressive presence.
Cpl Fernando Taylor who arrived in Jan
19 was appointed to liaise with external companies and the National Recruiting Centre (NRC) in order to plan and organise for this big event. Having identified immediately the size and location for our stand, she quickly contacted all parties involved to increase the stand size and locate us to a more captivating location. Her polite and charming personality prevailed. We were re-located to a bigger stand next to the compliance CPD stand, this resulted in increasing our footprint.
On arrival at the NEC LCpl Natalie Hull, Mrs Geri Hardy (the NRC Candidate Support Manager) and I began setting up our stand in order to capture members of the public for a career in the RADC Regulars.
Over the next 2 days, with assistance from Maj Matt Kolanko, Maj Sarah Armstrong, Capt Simon Fear and the ladies from the NRC, we spoke with members of
Ex RADC Dental Nurse Cpl Cheryl Weightman
Ex RADC Dental Officer Lt Col Jim Dufty
the public on how to apply for a career in the RADC as a dentist and dental nurse, the application process, how long the process can take, life in the Army, what is expected from you as an Officer or Soldier and what other opportunities the British Army can offer you. Those hygienists and therapists who showed an interest in a career within the military were provided information for the AMS Reserves and directed to the DPHC stand to work for us as a CDH should that interest them. Not only were we recruiting for RADC Regular service, we were also guiding individuals towards careers in the RADC Reserve, AMS Reserve and DPHC.
As the event was coming to an end we knew we had gained a lot of interest from the public, from the amount of interaction we all experienced and the application coupons completed for the NRC. Our aim was to attend this event with a big presence, so we could attract, engage and influence members of the public. We certainly achieved our aim.
Ex RADC Hygienist Sgt Sally Eaton
44 RADC BULLETIN 2019
Mrs Geri Hardy (NRC) & LCpl Natalie Hull with the Singing Dentist