Top 5 civilian job types taken up by UK armed forces veterans
Leaving active military service and transitioning to civvy street can be daunting, but we know that armed forces veterans offer employers a unique skill set that makes them highly sought after employees.
Whether you’re about to leave the armed forces and are considering what jobs to go for, are a veteran considering a career change or are just curious about the most common roles taken up by your peers, check out our list of the top 5 civvy jobs.
1. Project managers
With your meticulous attention to detail and ability to thrive under pressure, it’s no surprise that veterans often excel within project management roles. Plus, with UK roles expected to grow by 33% by 2027, there’s no better time to get started!
2. Security consultants, risk managers and private security specialists
Understandably, discipline, integrity and problem solving capabilities are highly valued in the security sector – offering armed forces veterans a huge number of opportunities to easily transfer and apply their experience within a civilian setting.
3. Healthcare roles
Having a strong sense of duty alongside exceptional resilience and teamwork skills; veterans are well-suited for careers within healthcare and this unparalleled aptitude is recognized by the NHS – who actively recruit veterans to nursing, paramedic and administrative roles.
4. Logistics and supply chain management positions
The focus the armed forces puts on efficient logistics and supply chains means that veterans often excel in managing roles within transport, warehouse operations and organization. The UK logistics industry in particular is predicted to grow 6.18% between 2023 and 2028 too, so it’s a great time to launch a career in this area.
5. Software developers and cybersecurity analysts
The cybersecurity industry is currently experiencing massive growth and the technical and analytical skills gained while in service (alongside the adaptability and problem-solving skills that are often demanded) means that veterans are strong contenders for available roles.
Not sure where to start?
While strong growth rates mean big opportunities, it’s common for those leaving the armed forces to be unsure on how to find a job they’re interested in, build any necessary skills and feel comfortable with job-hunting.
It’s important to not discredit yourself however! Your unique experiences, capabilities, and work ethic means employers can hugely benefit by adding armed forces leavers to their teams so make sure to make use of resources such as the Career Transition Partnership and relevant websites.
We’ve even made a point of doing our bit to help by highlighting some of the most popular industries for armed forces-friendly jobs and signposting you to some of the best resources to help get you started in finding the right civvy job for you!