Leaving the military can be tough, but finding a job you love can make the transition from the military to civilian life much easier. Job searching may seem like a daunting task but don’t worry, there are plenty of jobs for ex-military personnel out there.
This article will highlight some of the top jobs for ex-military individuals and explain why each one could be a great fit. These roles often make use of the skills you’ve honed in the armed forces. So, if you’re looking for a new career after leaving the military, read on!
5 Best Jobs for Ex-Military
We’ve compiled a list of five of the best jobs for ex-military personnel to give you a better idea of what’s out there in the civilian job market.
1. Healthcare
Healthcare jobs are a fantastic option for ex-military personnel. Whether you want to be a doctor, nurse, paramedic, or work in administration, there’s a wide range of roles to consider.
Healthcare careers offer solid job security and the chance to help others, which can be especially fulfilling for those who have spent their lives serving and saving people.
If you’re interested in healthcare, there are plenty of paths you can take.
2. The UK Police or Home Office
A career with the UK police is another excellent choice for ex-military personnel. You can work as a police officer, join the Home Office, or even protect national security.
These roles provide good job security and involve serving the community, reducing crime, and enhancing civilian wellbeing.
If you’re drawn to law enforcement or national security, the British Police Force or Home Office could be the perfect fit for you.
3. Information Technology
Military IT roles are often highly advanced and critical to operations, making ex-military IT professionals highly attractive to civilian employers.
A job in tech can be a smooth transition since it may involve tasks similar to those you performed in the military. This familiarity can make adjusting to civilian life much easier.
4. Mental Health Counsellor/Psychologist
Many veterans face unique challenges when returning to civilian life, and some seek specialist help for issues related to their service.
Ex-military personnel often make empathetic counsellors or psychologists, especially when working with other veterans. This career path can also help you stay connected to the military community.
Bonus reading 👉 Mental Health Support for Ex-Military Members
5. Personal Trainer
In the military, physical fitness is a priority, and many service members lead healthy lifestyles. You don’t have to give up on this when you leave the military. Why not turn it into a career?
As a personal trainer, you can help clients achieve their fitness goals by creating customised fitness and nutrition plans, demonstrating exercises, and monitoring progress.
With some additional training and certification, you can turn your dedication to fitness into a rewarding career.
Training and Certification Programmes for Ex-Military
Transitioning to a civilian career often requires gaining new skills or formalising the ones you already have. Fortunately, there are plenty of training and certification programmes available to ex-military personnel in the UK. These programmes can help you prepare for your new career and make you a more attractive candidate to employers.
Career Transition Partnership (CTP)
The Career Transition Partnership (CTP) offers a variety of courses designed specifically for ex-military personnel, covering industries like project management, IT, and engineering. They also provide support in finding the right courses and funding options.
Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC)
The Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) scheme supports lifelong learning by providing financial aid for higher-level courses, such as NVQs and degrees. You can receive up to £1,000/year for Lower Tier and up to £2,000/year for Upper Tier, based on service length.
SkillForce
SkillForce is a charity that helps ex-military personnel transition to new careers through tailored programmes focusing on education, training, and employment.
Further Education Colleges
Many UK colleges offer courses designed for ex-military personnel, with flexible learning options like part-time and evening classes. They offer specialised programmes for military to civilian transition, as well as career counselling and financial aid.
Taking advantage of these programmes can significantly enhance your employability and ease your transition to a civilian career, whether you’re building on military skills or exploring new fields.
Finding Jobs for Ex-Military Personnel
Now that you have a better idea about the best jobs for ex-military and the training and certification programmes available, it’s time to start your civilian job search!
You can find out what roles are available now on our specialist ex-military jobs board. Check out jobs in the West Midlands for ex-military, and private security jobs for veterans.
At Refreshing a Career, we’re dedicated to helping ex-military personnel make a successful career change to civilian life. You can find out more about transferable skills and job application tips on our dedicated pages.
Feel free to contact us with any queries. And finally, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to keep updated with the latest news and job opportunities from Refreshing a Career.
