In 2021, the number of UK armed forces veterans totaled just over 1.85 million.
While half were shown to be aged 65 or older, a significant proportion of those leaving the armed forces are still in the workforce and, regardless of how old you are or how long you’ve been serving, we know that transitioning to civvy street from active service is usually a bit of a jump.
So let us help by highlighting some of the most popular industries for armed forces-friendly jobs and signpost you to some of the best resources to help.
Most popular industries for those leaving the armed forces:
• Construction and Facilities Management
• Financial and Insurance
• Information and Communication
• Manufacturing
• Professional, Scientific and Technical Industries
• Transport and Logistics
Need support?
It’s common for those leaving the armed forces to be unsure on where to start once they’ve hung up the uniform, but you’ll find there are a number of organisations on hand to help you find forces-friendly employers and both identify and build the necessary skills and confidence to launch your new career in civvy street.
As part of the Armed Forces Covenant, you’re able to access career support, advice and training through the TIPPD programme (before your discharge) and then – once you’ve left - the Careers Transition Partnership can help with highlighting vacancies (available via RightJob) and workshops – often held at resettlement centres across the UK.
In addition to helping you save on everything from skill-building courses and state-of-the-art tech to long-lasting workwear, we’d also recommend checking out the following initiatives to help get started!
CivvyStreet – Offering a CV builder, courses and funding options, advice and support, as well as job board advertising 1000s of jobs for ex-service personnel and their families.
The Poppy Factory – Offers placements and employability support within the community to veterans facing barriers to finding a job due to health conditions or disabilities.
LifeWorks – A fully-funded 5-day intensive course focusing on coaching and support tailored to each participant.
RBL’s Mentoring Programme (in association with Help for Heroes and SSAFA) – Find and connect with mentors in property, construction transport and logistics industries by emailing: mentoring@britishlegion.org.uk.
Stick stuck? Don’t worry! Veterans Gateway, Salute My Job and Security Cleared Jobs are also on hand with excellent ideas for where to find careers help when leaving the armed forces.
