Useful Organisations
Listed below (in alphabetical order) are organisations who specialise in getting veterans back to work, and who take an individual’s personal circumstances (including disability) into consideration. Some organisations may have particular criteria or a certain audience in mind, so if one doesn’t suit you, perhaps another will!
- ABF The Soldiers' Charity
Suitable for:
- Those who have served in the Army.
- Those looking for a grant to support financing a course/some kind of training.
Leaving the Army can be a daunting experience for any individual, add to this the additional stress of coping with an illness or injury and the transition can seem insurmountable. Subject to need, The Soldiers’ Charity grants help to provide equipment, courses and travel costs for those discharged from the Army on medical grounds and are now looking for a new career path. This retraining covers practical courses like HGV licences, plumbing or electrical engineering, to vocational training such as teaching and enables individuals to get on the “first step” in their new career.
For a number of veterans though, the challenge of finding civilian employment can continue for many years. By awarding grants to fund individuals, The Soldiers’ Charity supports a number of organisations who deliver training to those veterans struggling with their transition. The courses enable them to build their self-confidence, learn skills to increase their employability and ensure that they are aware of their ability and the contribution that they can make to the work place.
For more information, go to: https://www.soldierscharity.org/need-our-help/how-we-help/
- Barclays AFTER Programme
Suitable for:
- Those looking for work experience.
- Those looking for CV and interview coaching.
- Those looking for mentoring
- Those who are looking for job vacancies.
Barclays is focused on helping people to achieve their ambitions, and the AFTER programme is a great example of this. Through AFTER, ex-military personnel can benefit from a range of support in their transition to civilian employment. The programme provides work placements, direct employment opportunities, CV and interview coaching, and money management sessions, as well as funding for education and vocational courses for Service Leavers through charity partners.
To find out more and to get in touch with the AFTER Team, go to: https://www.home.barclays/AFTER
- Building Heroes
Suitable for:
- Those looking for work/experience/training in the construction industry.
Building Heroes provides ex-service personnel with a rapid transition into careers in the construction industry through retraining and employment support. They provide an intensive programme covering a range of building skills, plus relevant health and safety training, to equip their graduates to progress into employment, self-employment or further training. They have a growing network of employers able to offer job opportunities and provide appropriate individual support with your chosen career path.
For more information, go to: https://www.buildingheroes.org.uk/
- Careers for Heroes
Suitable for:
- Those looking for career guidance
- Those looking to transfer their military skills into a civilian setting
- Those looking for training in CV writing and presentation skills
Careers For Heroes takes pride in being UK’s first and only charitable recruitment consultancy for veterans. This means that 100% of the revenue that we generate from recruitment fees goes straight back to helping other veterans.
We are a dedicated team of ex-military business professionals aiming to help, support and ease the transition from military life to civilian street.
Regardless of your service or trade CFH guides you in identifying your civilian career path.
Career advice from a selected industry professional, a tailored and bespoke CV writing service, LinkedIn coaching, presentation training and job placement, Careers For Heroes provides a full and comprehensive range of services.
All of our services are free of charge to anyone who is serving in the armed forces, or has previously served.
Services:
- Career advice
- CV workshop
- LinkedIn training
- Presentation training
- Recruitment
To register or for more information, go to: https://www.careersforheroes.org.uk/contact, call 02034 883985 or email info@careersforheroes.org.uk.
- HighGround
Suitable for:
- Those looking for training/employment/work experience in the land-based sector.
To provide advice and support to Service Leavers, Reservists and Veterans about employment and vocational opportunities in the land-based sector. Advice re land-based training, qualifications, work experience, employment and self-employment.
For more information, go to: https://highground-uk.org/
- Hire a Hero
Suitable for:
- Those looking for career coaching.
- Those looking at job vacancies.
Hire a Hero is a charity established to support all service leavers with the transition to meaningful civilian employment. Hire a Hero supports service leavers, regardless of service type or length, situation or background, by doing whatever it takes for as long as it takes to provide individual support in the transition from service life.
For more information, go to: http://www.hireahero.org.uk/
- Poppyscotland
Suitable for:
- Those living in Scotland.
- Those looking for a grant to gain training qualifications.
- Those with mental health issues who need one-on-one support to get back into work.
- Those looking for work but needing guidance on career options, or support with applications, CVs and interview skills.
Poppyscotland offers a range of Employment Services to help you into work. From training grants to ongoing employment support, their initiatives are designed to help you, whatever stage you are at. Services include employment support grants, the LifeWorks course and one-to-one support with employment advisors.
For more information, go to: http://www.poppyscotland.org.uk/get-help/employment/
- RFEA - The Forces Employment Charity
Suitable for:
- Those who need one-on-one support getting back into work.
- Those who are looking for training as part of their job search.
- Those who are concerned that their health issues may be a barrier to employment.
RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity – exists to provide life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.
Founded in 1885 and operating across the UK, we have the specialist knowledge and understanding to bridge the gap between military life and civilian employment. We work in partnership with other organisations and employers who, like us, respect and value the unique qualities and abilities of all those who have served.
For more information and to register your interest, go to: https://www.rfea.org.uk/jobseekers/
- The Poppy Factory
Suitable for:
- Those who are worried about a medical condition or impairment preventing them from getting back into work.
- Those looking for entry-level work.
- Veterans of any Service.
- Those who need guidance on CV and application writing.
One of the Poppy Factory’s local employment experts will work alongside your individual aspirations, experiences and requirements to ensure that you secure the rewarding job that you deserve. Their support comes in many forms:
- CV advice
- Career planning
- Training opportunities
- Source potential funding
- Bespoke job opportunities
- Application guidance
- Interview coaching
- Workplace adjustments
- Local, 1-2-1 support
- Employer engagement
- 1 year in-work support
To find out more about what they do, and to register, go to: https://www.poppyfactory.org/are-you-looking-for-work/#support
- VETS Programme
Suitable for:
- Those looking for a mentor
- Those looking to transfer their military skills into a civilian setting
- Those looking to build up their CV and interview techniques
- Those looking for networking opportunities.
VETS, the Veterans Employment Transition Support Programme, is a coalition of willing partners that have come together to support all veterans as they seek to find their next career. This coalition consists of a broad range of leading companies from across the commercial sector, the Ministry of Defence, the Career Transition Partnership as well as Service charities. VETS aims to enhance existing transition support initiatives of which significantly improves employment outcomes for all veterans and businesses.
To register for these services, go to: https://www.veteranemployment.co.uk/veterans/sign_up
- Walking with the Wounded - First Steps
Suitable for:
- Service leavers (Regular and Reserve) who have been physically, mentally or socially disadvantaged by their service.
- Immediate family members of those service leavers who have been physically, mentally or socially disadvantaged by their service.
- Those looking for entry level education, formal education or vocational training.
Walking With The Wounded supports a pathway for vulnerable Veterans to re-integrate back into society, regain their independence and secure sustainable employment.
We recognise the inherent skills of our armed service personnel and want to complement these qualities, as well as provide support to transfer their skills into the civilian workplace.
Veteran Support
First Steps aims to support and assist veterans who have been physically, mentally or socially disadvantaged by their service, have entered the criminal justice system, have required mental health support, alcohol and substance support, or are or have been homeless. Our First Steps Team can provide you with information, advice and guidance, vocational assessments, access to other military charities who may be able to further assist and where necessary assign an employment adviser to work with you. The First Steps team will discuss your needs and capabilities and allow you to become responsible for your own choices with guidance.
First Steps is also able to provide access to funding for entry level, formal education or vocational training and to support other necessary costs relating to education or establishing a new career. These may include travel, books and equipment. We aim to support individuals to identify their new career path and then gain the qualifications and tools necessary for them to make a successful move into civilian life.
Family Support
First Steps also provides Information, Advice and Guidance on employment, course’s, and funding options to family members of veterans.
For more information about First Steps and options available please email firststeps@wwtw.org.uk with your contact details and enquiry and a member of the First Steps Team will contact you.