Making the transition from military to civilian life can be a challenge. However, with the right support and resources, it can be a rewarding and worthwhile experience. To help you with the transition, we’ve put together 10 of the best ex-military recruitment schemes in the UK.
Let’s dive in!
Benefits Of Employing Ex-Military
Are you ex-military looking for a civilian job? It can be easy to doubt yourself when changing careers, but it’s important to have confidence in yourself and your transferable skillset.
Employers enjoy significant benefits when they hire ex-military personnel. During your time in the military, you developed valuable soft skills that are essential across multiple industries. These include teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and discipline.
Still doubting yourself? We have some stats you’ll want to see.
Research by Deloitte shows that a whopping 72% of organisations that have active ex-military recruitment programmes would definitely recommend employing veterans.
With the skills shortage raging on, your unique set of skills makes you an asset to employers.
Now let’s look at some of the UK’s best recruitment schemes for ex-military job seekers.
The Top 10 Ex-Military Recruitment Schemes UK
The UK is home to a number of ex-military recruitment schemes that support people as they transition back to civilian life. These schemes recognise the value ex-military personnel bring to the workforce and how employers can leverage their skills and experience.
Here are 10 of the best recruitment schemes for ex-military personnel.
1. Regular Forces Employment Association (RFEA)
The RFEA offers one of the best ex-military recruitment schemes in the UK. It’s a UK charity that supports ex-military personnel as they look for stable employment.
The RFEA offers a range of services, such as CV writing tips, interview prep, and job search support. As part of the programme, the charity partners with more than 600 employers across the UK to find employment opportunities for former members of the military.
2. British Forces Resettlement Services (BFRS)
Second on our list of the top ex-military recruitment schemes is BFRS. This UK-based social enterprise partners with employers all over Britain, supporting them as they recruit veterans. To ensure the success of the initiative, it works closely with both employers and job seekers to find the best match.
In addition, it organises networking opportunities and retraining for ex-forces to boost their employability skills.
3. Career Transition Partnership (CTP)
If you’re not familiar with CTP, this organisation offers guidance and support to former military staff looking to transition to civilian life. As a vet, you can make use of a range of services, such as career advice, training opportunities, and job listings. The CTP’s goal is to make the transition out of the military as seamless and stress-free as possible.
4. Officers’ Association
In fourth place is the Officers’ Association. This UK association is designed to support former offers in the British Armed Forces as they find employment. From interview coaching to CV advice to job search assistance, the association provides ongoing support to former officers as they change careers.
5. X-Forces Enterprise
This British social enterprise recognises the entrepreneurial spirit that many ex-forces personnel have developed. So, it works with them to support them as they start their own business.
X-Forces Enterprise offers continuous support in the form of training and funding, empowering vets to become their own bosses.
6. Veterans Employment Transition Support (VETS)
The British Legion runs a VETs programme, which delivers training, mentoring, and career advice to ex-military personnel. As part of the initiative, VETs works with different UK employers to connect top talent with the right civilian career opportunity.
7. Forces Families Jobs
Forces Families jobs is a job site designed to help former officers and their families find work. Run by the UK Ministry of Defence, the site is packed with handy resources and job listings from a range of ex-military-friendly employers.
8. Career Transition and Development
UK-based recruitment agency Career Transition and Development works exclusively with ex-military personnel, helping them find meaningful employment. The specialist agency partners with an array of employers to match you with the right position.
As well as helping you with the job search, the team offers ex-military employees ongoing career advice and support.
9. SaluteMyJob
This British-based recruitment agency works specifically with ex-military employees, helping them to find civilian careers. Their team of experts offers support at every stage of the recruitment process, from training to career advice to job interview preparation.
As a recruitment agency, they work closely with a range of ex-military employers to ensure you are matched with the right company.
10. Walking With The Wounded
This UK charity provides support and resources to ex-military personnel who are suffering from physical or mental health issues. Walking with the Wounded works with vets to get them back into employment by providing training, job search advice, and one-to-one mentoring.
It’s an excellent resource if you are struggling with the aftermath of your time in service.
Alternatives To Ex-Military Recruitment Schemes
Ex–military recruitment schemes are an extremely valuable resource. As well as providing mental health support, they support you as you find your feet and stable employment. That said, there are some other ways to find work as a veteran.
Specialist job boards are a great way to find career opportunities as an ex-military employee. For instance, Refreshing a Career’s unique ex-military job board is packed with opportunities for former military personnel looking to start a new chapter.
We work with leading UK employers to match the best ex-military talent with the right career path.
You’ll find a range of job opportunities, including maritime security jobs for ex-military and post-military jobs for officers.
Search part-time jobs for veterans →
Key Takeaways
Ex-military recruitment schemes provide a valuable service to ex-military personnel who are looking to transition to civilian life. The schemes highlighted in this blog post offer a range of services, including job search support, training courses, and career advice. By leveraging their skills and experience, ex-military personnel have the potential to make a significant contribution to the UK workforce.
Are you an employer of ex-military personnel? Our experts can help you attract former military staff to your organisation. Here are just some of the services we offer:
- Advice and support – We want to support ex-military as they transition to civilian jobs, shining a light on the many benefits of employing ex-military. Our website is packed with resources for employers, including guides on training and building an inclusive work environment. Find the latest industry insights on our weekly blog.
- Attract veteran talent – Get in touch to advertise your roles on our dedicated ex-military jobs board.
- Find diverse talent – Our job advert inclusivity screening tests your ad against our “Inclusive Language Check-List” to remove potentially discriminatory language.
- Advertise your business – Our talented team of writers works with you to create a company profile that documents your efforts as a leading inclusive employer.
- Support ex-military job seekers – If you are a job seeker, you’ll find a range of support and resources to help you with your job hunt. From mental health resources to funding to job application tips, we have you covered. You can also browse the latest opportunities on our ex-military jobs board.
Call 03458724501 or email info@refreshingacareer.com to learn more about our bespoke packages.